thumb|upright|Seward in 1851 Although Clay had hoped the Compromise would be a final settlement on the matter of slavery that could unite the nation, it divided his Whig Party, especially when the 1852 Whig National Convention endorsed it to the anger of liberal northerners like Seward. The major candidates for the presidential nomination were President Fillmore, Senator Daniel Webster, and General Scott. Seward supported Scott, who he hoped would, like Harrison, unite enough voters behind a military hero to win the election. Scott gained the nomination, and Seward campaigned for him. The Whigs were unable to reconcile over slavery, whereas the Democrats could unite behind the Compromise; the Whigs won only four states, and former New Hampshire senator Franklin Pierce was elected president. Other events, such as the 1852 publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin and Northern anger over the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act (an element of the Compromise), widened the divide between North and South.
thumb|upright|Seward in 1851 Although Clay had hoped the Compromise would be a final settlement on the matter of slavery that could unite the nation it divided his Whig Party especially when the 1852 Whig National Convention endorsed it to the anger of liberal northerners like Seward The major candidates for the presidential nomination were President Fillmore Senator Daniel Webster and General Scott Seward supported Scott who he hoped would like Harrison unite enough voters behind a military hero to win the election Scott gained the nomination and Seward campaigned for him The Whigs were unable to reconcile over slavery whereas the Democrats could unite behind the Compromise; the Whigs won only four states and former New Hampshire senator Franklin Pierce was elected president Other events such as the 1852 publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin and Northern anger over the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act (an element of the Compromise) widened the divide between North and South