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The Peculiar Institution
The Peculiar Institution was a coined term that white southerners used to describe slavery in the United States. They stated that slavery was much worse in other countries, that the US was much kinder. Southerners also made a claim that slavery in the south had no effect on the northern states. -
The Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise was legislation created that introduced both Missouri and Maine as United States territories. The former a slave state, the latter a free state. This was meant to keep power dynamics between the North and South stable. The Compromise also banned slavery from north of the 36°30' parallel, which split up the Louisianna Territory. However, this only caused more issues, as people were dissatisfied with the changes made. -
Nat Turner's Rebellion
Nat Turner's Rebellion, also known as the Southampton Insurrection, was a very brutal and violent slave rebellion led by Nat Turner and is also one of the largest slave rebellions in the history of the United States. Turner gathered a group of 75 followers. They wreaked havoc, killing all white people they could find, including women and children. 51 whites were brutally murdered. This event caused slave laws to become drastically stricter, while southerners feared for their lives and power. -
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The Wilmot Proviso
The Wilmot Proviso, named after and written by Pennsylvania Congressman David Wilmot, was a proposal for the prohibition of slavery in any territory acquired from the Mexican War. However, Senate rejected the bill February 1, 1847, and it was never put effect. The Wilmot Proviso divided the North and South further, with both sides very adamant about their own beliefs on slavery. -
The Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 began when California requested multiple regulations alongside acceptance to the Union. They wanted to strengthen and specify their anti-slavery laws, which sparked the beginning of much change. On top of accepting California's request, the slave trade was banned in Washington DC, the Fugitive Slave Act became more strict, and the conflict between Texas and Mexico regarding the border was resolved in Texas' favor. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Uncle Tom's Cabin is an abolitionist novel written in 1852 that had an extensive effect on Americans. It tells the story of a very pious man called Uncle Tom who saves a young white girl, and the hardships he has to go through as a slave. This book caused a major increase of anti-slavery movements in the North and caused quite an uproar all across America. -
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Bleeding Kansas
Also known as the Border War, Bleeding Kansas was a very violent dispute over whether or not slavery should be legalized in Kansas. Approximately 56 people were killed in a series of confrontations, and many more were injured. These events were a result of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, in which it was stated that the citizens could decide if their state should be free. -
John Brown's Raid
John Brown was a very passionate abolitionist. In 1859 he gathered a group of 22 men, including black men, giving them the order to raid the arsenal at Harper's Ferry, taking captives. His plan had been to arm as many slaves as possible and therefore work towards the abolishment of slavery. His actions further segregated the North and South, causing more tension to rise. -
Abraham Lincoln's Election
The representative for the newly formed Republican Party, Lincoln won with high popularity in many states across America. However, the support he received was very one-sided, all from the free states. He opposed the spread of slavery and was a critical part of the passage of the 13th Amendment (made slavery unconstitutional). -
The Battle of Fort Sumter
The Battle of Fort Sumter, located in Charleston Harbor, SC, lasted for two days. The two opposing parties were Major Robert Anderson and Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant (also known as P.G.T.) Beauregard. Major Anderson and his men were camped out at Fort Sumter. When President Lincoln made the decision to restock the fort, General Beauregard made his move, overwhelming Anderson's forces. The exchange took approximately 36 hours, with Anderson surrendering on April 13th.
