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Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act involved the issue of slavery and the balance of power between free and slave states within the legislature [Kansas (slave) and Nebraska (free)]. One of its greatest significance is that this act spurred hot debates in the territory between pro-abolitionist and pro-slavery parities. It would also lead to Bleeding Kansas (1854-1858) and other violence, which in turn led to the Civil War -
Pottawatomie Creek Massacre
Led by John Brown, an abolitionsit, on a settlement, this was a bloody event during the Kansas Border War or Bleeding Kansas. Five people were killed and mutilated in this event. Because of the massacre, tensions rose between those who wish to end and those who wish to continue slavery. -
Harper's Ferry Raid
Also led by John Brown, this was an attempt to raise a slave rebellion in Virginia. The plan to take supplies from the local arsenal and use them against slave owner failed. This act of violence added even more fuel to the fire because Brown's execution would neer be forgotten by abolitionist and anti-slavery groups. -
Democratic National Convention
One of the biggest factors in Lincoln's victory during the 1860 presidential election was that the Democratic party was split as compared to the Republican being united and able to vote for one candidate. There were two convention one for the Northern Democrats (Stephen Douglas in Baltimore) and one for the Southern Democrats (John C. Breckinridge in Charleston). Unable to compromise of certain views, the Democrats forfeited the presidency to the Republicans and this'll lead to secession. -
1860 Presidential Election
Four political parities ran during this race showing the division within America's politics. Lincoln won due to the Democrat party's division and by not truly taking a stance on slavery (remaining neutral). As soon as he was elected president, southern states seceeded spurring the possibility of a Civil War. -
Southern Secession
South Carolina was the first to go, and six other states followed because of Lincoln's victory in the presidential election. -
Confederate States of America are officially formed
Showing their separation from the Union, the CSA was formed. Jefferson Davis was named the president, and it will be the CSA that will fight the Union and the norder states in the Civil War. The CSA will hold 11 of the former states. -
Fort Sumter
Two months after the CSA was formed, shots were fired at Fort Sumter. This was a two day siege with no lives lost. The south felt threatened by Lincoln because he was supplying the fort. This was the start to the 4 year war between the North and the South. -
Battle of Bull Run
The first major battle of the Civil War led to a Southern Win. It had negative consequences for the south because it made them overconfident and many southern troops left the army, but it motivated the north to fight harder. Instead of a 90 day war as many had predicted, many realized that the war would be bloodier and longer than predicted. -
Merrimack and Monitor Battle
The South, with its new ironclad technology had a shot to defeat the Union's powerful navy (they had wooden ships) and go passed the blockade. In retaliation, the Union built a small ironclad (Monitor) and a four battle ensued. This was the first battle between two ironclad and foreshadowed the United States Naval power. -
Battle of Antietem
Union General McClellan was able to stop Lee in Antietem Creek, Maryland before the Confederates could reach the capitol. Even thoough it was considered a draw, it was a bloody battle and put an end to the South's offensive side of the war. The south was on the cusp of getting foreign aid from France and Britain, but they withdrew after the battle outcome.