[tet68]

. The compromise in the Constitution was opposed by the south. They wanted slaves counted as full persons so as to get more representation in the congress, but not to give the slaves a vote. Very cynical. In unfortunately agreeing to tolerate slavery, the free states pressed to count the non-voting slaves as less so as to avoid giving the slave states additional congressional power.

Let me get this straight, the south wanted slaves counted as full persons, but denied them the right to vote.
The "free states" considered them less than human as a ploy to dilute the southern voting bloc, not much honor on either side I'd say.

[jlogajan]

The "free states" considered them less than human as a ploy to dilute the southern voting bloc, not much honor on either side I'd say.

The unfortunate compromise was agreeing to tolerate slavery at all. Reducing the power of the southern slave holding states to maintain and spread slavery by any means was to the good.