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Missouri Compromise
This compromise came to be after Missouri applied to become a slave state as there was to be balance with slave and slave free states. The plan would make Missouri a slave state and Maine a slave-free state. This law also outlawed slavery in the Louisiana Territory any place north of the 36,30 latitude line. Debates from this issue showed the possibility of a sectional division in the United States. -
Mexican War
The war began with an attack on American troops along to border of Texas, caused bu the U.S. annexation of Texas. Mexico protested that the Texan Territory bellonged to them and that they had rights to the land. Troops from both sides of the war were stationed along the Rio Grande and many say that the U.S. troops provoked the fighting. The war ended with a treaty signed at Guadalupe Hildalgo on February 2, 1848. The treaty also allowed California and New Mexico to become a part of the U.S. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was introduced by Henry Clay in attempt to calm tensions surrounding the Missouri Compromise to keep the Union united, The problem was that California wanted to join the Union as a free state, which would offset the balance of slave and slave-free states. Clay's proposal was that California would join as a slave-free state and that New Mexico and Texas could choose if they would permit slavery, Also, Texas would give up claims to Mexico for 10 million dollars. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
This act was introduced in January of 1854. This act supported populary sovereignty which would let citizens decided whether or not slavery would be allowed in their territory. It was asked that the Missouri Compromise's 36'30" altitude line for slavery be repealed. People in the North did not support this act as they thought the Missouri Compromise was a strong agreement, but in the South, the pro-slavery people supported it. This act was passed by Congress after nine months of debating. -
Attack on Charles Sumner
Charles Sumner was a Massachusetts Senator who was upset with the Kansas situation. He spoke fiery about slavery and his problems with it along with Andrew Butler of South Carolina. Andrew Brooks wanted to make a statement for the South and defended their beliefs. He approached Sumner and beat him with a cane. Charles Sumner did not fully recover after this accident and many considered Brooks' actions to be heroic. -
Attack on Lawrence, Kansas
This attack was the result of one of the country's most significant issue, slavery. Tensions on both sides of the slavery issue heightened as the transcontinental railroad could not be built until the Kansas territory was organized. A group of about 800 pro-slavery men traveled to Lawrence from Missouri with hopes of destroying the town. This men hoped to win the battle, and make Kansas a terrory allowing slavery. -
Attack on Pottawatomie Creek
Josh Brown was an evangelical from Massachusetts who believed that God chose him as his instrument to end slavery. He decided to take action and on May 24, he led a group of New Englanders to Pottoawatomie Creek were pro-slavery people were staying. Brown woke five men, dragged them out of their shelters and brutally killed them infront of thier famililes. -
Dred Scott v. Sanford
In March of 1857, the Supreme Court that the Compromise of 1820 was unconstitutional which permitted slavery in all U.S. territories. Dred Scott went to the court with hopes of winning his freedom after becoming a free slave. However, it was fought that the Decleration was not intended to protect African Americans. Unfortunately, Scott lost this case but many, including Frederick Douglass hoped that this case would be the next step to the end of slavery. -
Election of 1860
Canidates of this election included Stephen A. Douglas, John C. Brekenridge, John Bell, and Abraham Lincoln. In the South, citizens wanted a candiate with a strong statement to support slavery and others in the West seeked a canidte who favored popular sovereignty. Northern citizens favored the canidates who were against slavery after the Bleeding Kansas. Lincoln gained respect as he campaigned and he won the election through the electoral and the popular votes. -
Attack on Fort Sumter
This battle marked the beggining of the Civil War as it occured in the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina. The North and South were at war shooting guns and cannons but this battle lasted less than two days. When the fort went up in flames and was practically in ruins, troops surrendered and the fighting was over. After the attack, the two regions of the country prepared for war.
