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Missouri Compromise
The Northern and Southern politicians have heated debates over the growth of slavery. Henry Clay ( The Great Compromiser ) settles the debate with the Missouri Compromise that helped maintain the balance between slave and free states. -
The Nullification Crisis
Due to the passing of Tariff laws in 1828 and 1832 southern states felt that the tariffs were unfair and only supported the North. SinceVice President John C. Calhoun said any state could nullify a federal law if it considered unconstitutional, when the federal government denied South Carolina's argument, South Carolina threatened to secede. Because the threatened to secede Henry Clay came up with a compromise and lowered the tariffs. -
Compromise of 1850
Congress had many heated debates about wheater the new territories won from Mexico would be admitted as a slave state or free states. Henry Clay helped make this compromise, California would be admitted as a free state, the slave trade would be abolished in Washington D.C. Congress would not pass laws banning slavery from the rest of the territories won from Mexico. -
Fugitive Slave Act
The Fugitive Slave Act was passed in 1850 by the congress. The act permitted the capture of African Americans who had fled to the North to escape bondage. These laws heightened tension, and at the stage for John Brown's Raid and the American Civil War. -
Bleeding Kansas
5000 people from nearby proslavery Missouri came and voted for proslavery representatives in Kansas illegally. Anti-slavery opponents started their own government and was attacked by proslavery forces. To avenge this attack, extreme abolitionist John Brown murdered several of his proslavery neighbors. -
Dred Scott Decision
Fred Scott was a slave who sued for his freedom and the court declared that Scott was not free, African Americans were not considered US citizens, and Slaves being"property" of someone could not be taking away without process of law. -
Attack on Harpers Ferry
John Brown wanted to inspire slaves to fight for their freedom. He wanted to capture the Arsenal to arm the slaves. Brown and his men were captured and ten were killed. Abolitionist saluted John Brown as he was put to death, the issue of slavery had raised tensions in America to the breaking point. -
The Election of 1860
Abraham won the election of 1860, and shortly after that the southern states began to secede from the union.
