In 1847 twenty-seven northerners joined with the South in opposing the Wilmot Proviso, and in 1850 thirty-five supported a stronger fugitive slave law. By 1854 the South had changed its position on the Missouri Compromise and fifty-eight northerners supported its repeal in the Kansas–Nebraska Act.
Between 1847 and 1854, there was significant shifting in political stances regarding slavery within the United States. In 1847, twenty-seven northerners joined forces with the South against the Wilmot Proviso, while thirty-five supported a stronger fugitive slave law in 1850. By 1854, the South changed its stance on the Missouri Compromise and fifty-eight northerners supported its repeal in the Kansas–Nebraska Act.