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Wilmot Proviso
In 1846, David Wilmot gave the idea of the Wilmot Proviso. This would ban slavery in the new lands. There was so much argument about this idea so the Compromise of 1850 was made. -
The Mexican War Ended
America gave up western land. This was a problem because the new land would be turned into states and slavery was a concern. -
The Fugitive Slave Act
Because of the Compromise of 1850, the fugitive slave act was passed. If any federal officer did not arrest a slave on the run, they would have to pay a fine. This caused many abolitionists to increase their efforts against slavery. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin was Released
Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin. She wrote the book to show how bad slavery was and how he was against it. This book effected how the Northerners viewed slavery. -
Bleeding Kansas Shocked Northerners
The Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed in 1854. This allowed Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves if they would be a free or slave state. This act tore apart Kansas. -
Charles Sumner is Attacked
In 1856, Congressman Preston Brooks, who was pro-slavery, attacked Charles Sumner because of his speech against slavery happening in Kansas. -
Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott lost his case about him being free of slavery. He had been living as a slave in a free state but the court would not look at his petition because he did not own any property. -
Lecompton Constitution Rejected
This was created to allow Kansas to be a slave state. The Constitution was sent to Kansas for a vote but it was rejected. Kansas became a free state. -
John Brown Raided Harper's Ferry
John Brown and 17 other men attempted to raid the arsenal in Virginia in hope to cause a slave uprising using the captured weapons. However, they were all surrounded by troops and were killed. -
Abraham Lincoln was Elected President
In 1860 Lincoln was elected President. No one believed he had an opinion on slavery until he won the election. He made it so slavery would not spread.
