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Before the Civil War: Sixty Years of Trials and Tears
Before the Civil War there were many events that tried to solve the issue over slavery between the North and the South. Many compromises were passed that never really satisfied neither side. Many years passed and the debate over slavery became more vigorous and contentious. -
The Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise was a decision that stated that Missouri could be admitted into the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It also drew a line across the Louisiana Purchase. Slavery would be banned for any future states above the line except for Missouri. This compromise did not solve the solution of slavery but led to many more compromises that attempted to separate slavery from both free and slave states. The Missouri Compromise only delayed the Civil War. -
The Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 admitted California to the Union as a free state. Also allowed New Mexico and Utah territories decide whether they wanted to be a slave state or not. In addition it ended slave trade in Washington D.C.,and included a strong fugitive slave law. Not many people were satisfied by the Compromise, it only made the debate over slavery even bigger. Many Americans were afraid for a Civil War to occur, but just as the Missouri Compromise it only delayed the Civil War. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act created Kansas and Nebraska each territories, along with abolishing the Missouri Compromise by letting settlers determine whether slavery should be allowed in those new territories. Douglas called this policy "popular sovereignty" also known as rule by the people. Northerners were shocked that the Kansas-Nebraska Act abolished the Missouri Compromise. The Kansas-Nebraska Act created a huge debate, debates that soon turned violent. This Act was a heads up to the civil war. -
Dred Scott Case
In 1857 a man named Dred Scott wanted to sue for his freedom. This case was brought forth to the Supreme Court. There was nine justices on the case. One of the justices hoped that this case would bring an end to the slavery debate but instead it made it even worse. The Supreme Court ruled that an African American couldn't sue for his freedom. At this point the North had enough, they said that the decision was an Assassination of a race which brought the Civil War even closer to America. -
Election of 1860
The presidential race showed how undivided the nation became.The election became confusing after so many candidates where running for president. Abraham Lincoln was elected president. Southerners feared that congress would attempt to end slavery. At this point the South Carolina had enough so they succeeded from the Union. This alarmed many people, causing others to succeed along with South Carolina. This led to disunion and disaster causing America to dissolve into a Civil War. -
Attack on Fort Sumter
The Civil War began with the shooting at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. After thirty-three hours of bombing no one was killed. The issue of slavery, divided the nation for many years. The Civil War would now decide if slavery would be allowed or not.
