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Underground Railroad
This system help slaves from south escape to the North. Though similar minor systems were in place before, the Underground Railroad gained popularity in the 1830's and freed thousands of slaves. -
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APUSH Unit 5 Antebellum
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The Gag Rule
As tensions rose this rule was enforced. It permitted discussion of slavery in congress as there were supposedly bigger issues. There was debate over the gag rule as it was just creating more anger between the two parties. -
Creole Affair
The ship left Virginia and was heading for New Orleans with 19 white guards and 135 slaves. Eventually some slaves broke out, killed guard, and took over the ship. The British imprisoned the guards and the slaves were eventually freed in the Bahamas. -
Senator Stephen A. Douglas
Referred to as "Little Giant", Douglas had a powerful impact on national debate throughout the 1850's. He was a northern Democrat, which meant he didn't believe in the expansion of slavery. This caused the Democratic Party to be split in two. -
Fugitive Slave Act
Act passed as part of Compromise of 1850. Allowed runaway slaves in free territories and states to be captured and returned back to southern slave tests. This caused an increase in abolitionist and Underground Railroad activity. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, this book first debuted in newspaper, then in 1852 it was published as a book. It was a huge commotion since it told unknown evils of slavery. Most importantly it helped start anti-slavery movements and discussions. Stowe even met with President Lincoln and he referred to her as "the lady who started this great war". -
The Kansas-Nebraska Act
Passed in in 1854, this allowed residents in the 2 territories to decide if slavery was legal by popular vote. Pro and anti-slavery Settlers rushed to Kansas to vote. Led to much violence and gave a glimpse of the Civil War. -
Dred Scott Case
Supreme court ruled (7-2) that a slave, Dred Scott, would never be an American citizen even though he lived in a free state and territory. Lots of controversy surrounding this case. -
Harper's Ferry Raid
John Brown, an abolitionist, and 22 others attempted to initiate a armed stage uprising by raiding Harper's Ferry. Goal was to destroy the institution of slavery. -
Election of 1860
Lincoln won this election, which angered many southerners as they feared this would diminish slavery. Southern states threatened to leave union if Lincoln was elected.
