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Missouri Compromise
Missouri Compromise preserved the balance between free and slave states. It also ended the debate in Congress over slavery in new states and territories. It continued the conflict over slavery and the attempt to maintain a balance between slave and free states -
Fugitive Slave Act
This act required citizens to help capture slaves who had ran away. People who helped runaways could be fined or imprisoned. Northern juries refused to convict people accused of breaking this. Slaves were caught and returned even though they hid underground. This helped create the Underground Railroad. -
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Uncle Tom’s Cabin inspired strong feelings in the North and the South. It helps to flavor the issue of slavery in the north and south. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
This act opened the door for slavery in the Kansas and Nebraska territories. It increased the tension and mistrust between the North and South. -
The Dred Scott Decision
This outraged abolitionists in the North and pleased Southerners, dividing the country more than ever. -
Lincoln/Douglas Debates
Senator Stephen Douglas vs Abraham Lincoln. They both were against slavery but had different ways of dealing with it. Lincoln challeneged Douglas to a series of debates leading up to the election. The seven debates took place between August and October 1858, with slavery being the main topic. Douglas wom the election but Lincoln gained a national reputation. Southerners were feeling increasingly threatened by antislavery movement in the Republican Party. -
Raid on Harpers Ferry
John Brown led a raid in an arsenal at Harpers Ferry. The aim was to spark a slave uprising. -
Election of 1860
Lincoln oppsed slavery but knew it wouldn’t be easy to eliminate it. He thought the solution would be to prevent the spread into other territories, Lincoln won the election. -
South Secedes
South Carolina secedes and other states start to follow February 1861. -
Lincoln’s Inauguration
At Lincoln’s inauguration, the new president said he had no plans to end slavery in those states where it already existed, but he also said he would not accept secession. His speech was unlawful and would not be permitted. -
Confederate States
Confederate States of America created., Jefferson Davis elected president. -
The Civil War Begins
The Confederate army opened fire on the fort April 12, 1861. Union forces surrender April 14, with no loss of life on either side.