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The Wilmot Proviso
This was a document that proposed to ban slavery in any territory acquired from the Mexican-American War. -
Compromise of 1850
A compromise reached between the United States and Mexico after the Mexican-American war in order to split the territories gained into slave and free states. -
The Fugitive Slave Act
Required that all slaves, when captured, to be returned to their masters. Also forced citizens to turn in the slaves. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
This novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe was very controversial because of its unflinching look at the cruelties of slavery. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 -
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Bloody Kansas
A series of violent political confrontations between pro-slavery and anti-slavery supporters. -
Dred Scott Decision
Declared that any African American who's ancestors were brought to the U.S by slavery could never become citizens of the United States and could not hold lawsuits in federal court. -
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Lincoln-Douglas Debates
A series of seven debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas -
John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry
Abolitionist John Brown tries to begin an armed slave revolt . Brown and his groupies were then defeated by the U.S Marines. -
The Election of 1860
Abraham Lincoln becomes president after defeating John Breckinridge. -
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The Battle of Fort Sumter
The first battle of the Civil War of the United States.