What was the primary focus of the Wilmot Proviso in relation to the territories acquired after the Mexican War?

The Wilmot Proviso was primarily concerned with determining the status of slavery in the territories acquired from Mexico as a result of the Mexican-American War. Introduced by Congressman David Wilmot in 1846, the Proviso explicitly aimed to ban slavery in any territory gained from Mexico. This reflected the heated debates of the time regarding the expansion of slavery in the new territories, emphasizing the deep divisions within the United States over the issue of slavery.

While the Proviso sought to address the status of slavery, it did not directly establish a federal ban or promote the spread of free labor; rather, it aimed to clarify and provoke discussion on how the question of slavery would be handled in these new areas. The debate ignited by the Proviso led to significant political tensions, showcasing the complexities of territorial governance and the contentious nature of slavery in American politics. Thus, the correct interpretation recognizes that the main issue at hand was indeed the determination of slavery’s status in the newly acquired territories.