VOA慢速英语 新总统皮尔斯亲切但软弱

　　美国历史篇：新总统皮尔斯亲切但软弱

　　American History Series: Pierce, New President, Is Friendly but Weak

　　Welcome to THE MAKING OF A NATION -- American history in VOA Special English.

　　In eighteen fifty, President Zachary Taylor died after serving about a year and a half in office. Taylor"s vice president, Millard Fillmore, took his place.

　　Early in his administration, President Fillmore signed the Compromise of Eighteen Fifty. That compromise helped settle a dispute over slavery and the western territories. It ended a crisis between northern and southern states. It prevented a civil war.

　　The eighteen fifty compromise did not, however, end slavery in the United States. So the issue was not really settled. It continued to affect the nation. And it was the most important issue of Millard Fillmore"s presidency.

　　Here are Kay Gallant and Harry Monroe with this week"s program in our series.

　　VOICE ONE:

　　In eighteen fifty-two, an American woman published a book about slavery. She called it "Uncle Tom"s Cabin." The woman, Harriet Beecher Stowe, wrote the book for one reason. She wanted to show how cruel slavery was. Stowe"s words painted a picture of slavery that most people in the North had never seen. They were shocked.

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