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Indiana Lt. Gov. Faces Backlash Over Three-Fifths Compromise Defense

5/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith sparked outrage by defending the Three-Fifths Compromise as a step toward ending slavery, echoing the views of Christian nationalist historian David Barton. This claim has drawn sharp criticism for misrepresenting history, as the compromise actually bolstered the power of slave-holding states, ultimately extending the life of slavery in America.

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Story summary

Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith sparked outrage by defending the Three-Fifths Compromise as a step toward ending slavery, echoing the views of Christian nationalist historian David Barton. This claim has drawn sharp criticism for misrepresenting history, as the compromise actually bolstered the power of slave-holding states, ultimately extending the life of slavery in America.