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William Lloyd Garrison launches The Liberator
A white abolitionist's newspaper that reached to many Americans, spreading abolitionist ideas and stirring the pot of tensions between pro-slave people and abolitionists. -
Nat Turner leads a slave revolt in Virginia
The violent nature of this revolt brought new negative ideas to pro-slavery citizens against abolitionists, while also inspiring those against slavery to rise up. -
American Anti-Slavery Society founded in Boston
Many anti-slave societies merged, which spread abolitionist ideas throughout New England. -
Sarah Grimke’s Letters on the Equality of the Sexes and the Condition of Women
Grimke's letters inspired women and gave strength to the womens' rights movement. Again, no specific date other than 1838. -
Henry Highland Garnet’s ¨Address to the Slaves of the United States of America¨
This failed rebellion still inspired many to support the abolitionist cause. -
Frederick Douglass published the North Star
African American-published newspaper, expressing abolitionist ideas and spreading it through America. Created more abolitionist awareness and tensionsbetween the two sides. -
Women’s Rights Convention at Seneca Falls, New York
Inspired women and brought new ideas of gender equality. -
Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery
Tubman's escape allowed for her to become an avid abolitionist and help out greatly with the underground railroad. There is no exact date other than 1849, but timetoast won't let me do a year alone. -
Fugitive Slave Act passed
Runaway slaves could be caught and returned, often punished. Added to the cruelty of slavery and inspired abolitionists to fight harder. -
Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Reached to many Americans and brought a new light on the idea of slavery, made many realize how bad it was. -
Sojourner Truth’s ¨Ain’t I A Woman?¨ Speech
This speech inspired women to be more than what the normal feminine stereotype suggested, especially African American women. No specific date other than 1851 -
Republican party founded
Created the strong competition against the Democrats, and eventually the 2-party system that still lasts today. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act passed
Allowed for settlers of new territories to decide if they wanted to have slaves or not. This created more tensions between the two sides as they still argued about if territories should be free or not. -
Civil War in Kansas known as ¨Bleeding Kansas¨
Pro vs. anti-slavery battle in the Kansas territory to decide if the state would be free or a slave state. Created more than tensions between the two sides; now there are hostilities.
1855-1861 -
Charles Sumner beating
A representative from the House of Representatives (pro-slavery) attacked a senator (anti-slavery). Both became respected members of their sides, creating even more tensions. -
Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision
This decision permitted slaves in the western territories, created more tension between the two sides. -
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
These debates created more support for the Republican party and began to change the monopoly of power that the Democrats had. Lincoln started June 16, Douglas started July 9 -
Lecompton Constitution rejected by Congress
A pro-slavery constitution was created by Kansas settlers. Congress rejected it, creating large tension between pro-slavery people and congress/abolitionists. -
John Brown’s Raid on Harper’s Ferry
Attempted to give weapons to slaves by raiding a town armory; failed. Created more violent tensions between the two sides. -
Election of 1860
Lincoln wins by electoral, not popular, vote. Gives power to the Republicans, eliminates Democrat monopoly of power. South Carolina seceds from the union shortly after.
