Civil War

Missouri Compromise

Mar 3, 1820

The Missouri Compromise created by Henry Clay is passed by Congress.

Texas

Dec 29, 1845

Texas becomes the 28th state, and is a proslevery state.

Dred Scott Decision

Mar 6, 1846

Dred Scott, an enslaved African American fights for his freedom after he resided on free soil for several years and after his owner's death. Court rules against Scott.

Fugitive Slave Act

Sep 18, 1850

This act requires all citizens to help catch runaway slaves.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

May 1, 1854

Created by Stephen A. Douglas, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed in May 1854. The act proposed organizing the areas west of Missouri and Iowa as the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. The term popular sovereignty was introduced.

South Carolina

Dec 20, 1860

South Carolina secedes from the Union.

Confederate States of America

Feb 4, 1861

Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida secede from the Union, join with South Carolina and form the Confederate States of America.

Civil War

Period: Apr 12, 1861 to Apr 9, 1865

On April 12th, Confederate troops attack Fort Sumter in South Carolina.