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Compromise of 1850
The compromise of 1850 passed five seperate bills passed by the United States, which restored a four year confrontation between the slave states of the south, and the free states of the north. The compromise was drafted by Henry Clay of Kentucky. Both sides disliked specific provisions of the compromise. -
Fugitive Slave Law
The Fugitive Slave Law was a part of the compromise of 1850 passed by congress. It was one of the most contraversial events and increased the northerners fears. The law required that all runaway slaves be returned to their masters and that officials and citizens of free states had to abide by this law. -
Publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin
Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote a novel known as "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in 1852. It changed the way many Americans viewed slavery and helped Americans see that people shouldn't be treated as property. It demanded that the United states focus more on freedom and equality, rather then discrimination and injustice. -
Kansas Nebraska Act of 1854
The Kansas Nebraska Act created the two territories of Kansas and Nebraska. It had the effect of repealing the Missouris compromise by allowing white male settlers from those territories to determine whether they want slavery or not. It also provided new lands that were opened for settlement. The act was designed by Stephen A. Douglas of Illonois. -
Birth of the Republican Party
The repubican party was founded by anti-slavery activists in 1854, and dominated politics for a large period of time. The party is generally based off of American Conservatism and involves supporting free market capitalism. -
Brooks attacks Sumner in Senate
Representative Preston Brooks thought Sumner went too far when he insulted Butler. Because of this Brooks started fighting him with his cane. Brooks instantly became a hero of the South, and hated by the North. This event signified the growing tensions between the north and the south. -
Dred Scott V Sandford
Scott was considered a slave by the end of the case, despite living in a free territory. This led to the Missouri compromise being considered unconstitutional -
John Brown's raid on harpers ferry
John Brown, an abolitionist had hopes that the local slave population would join the raid. He was put on trial for his actions and was charged with treason against the state of Virginia, murder, and slave insurrection. Eventually he was sentenced to death for his crimes. -
Election of 1860
Northerners in the election had a strong feeling that Stephen Douglas would be able to win against the "Black Republicans". Southerners considered Douglas a traitor because of his support for popular sovereignty. Southern states chose not to decide on a candidate. Several weeks after the election the South seceded from the union. -
Shots Fired at Fort Sumter SC
South Carolina perceived itself as a sovereign state after its secession from the union. The point was proven after a bloody conflict.
