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Compromise of 1850
The new state of California was decided to be admitted to the Union as a free state. New Mexico and Utah could decide if they joined as free or slave states. These decisions were made to keep a balanced number of free and slave states, however, those who supported slavery would likely not support this compromise. So, the addition of the fugitive slave act was made, which required that nay escaped slaves be returned to their owners, even if they were in northern territory. -
Dred Scott Case
Dred Scott's owner had died, and he was attempting to sue his owner's wife for his freedom. However, the court decided that African Americans were considered property, and therefore didn't have the right to sue. This decision led to the establishment of the idea that slaves are considered property, and therefore have no rights. -
Election of Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln was elected to presidency, and it was clear that he would stand against slavery. However, he wasn't even found on ballots in the South, meaning that he won on northern votes alone. Due to this imbalance of voting power, the South began to secede from the United States. -
Fort Sumter
The Confederacy bombarded the Union post of Fort Sumter until they surrendered. This started the Civil War. -
Battle of Antietam
This was a very close battle between the Union and the Confederacy. However, after this battle, Lincoln still decided it was the right time to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. This proclamation claimed that all slaves should be forever free.While it didn't directly free any slaves, it very clearly stated the position of the Union. -
Battle of Gettysburg
This battle was considered a Union victory. It also marked a major turning point in the Civil War, as it was the FIRST Union victory. From this point onward in the war, the Union would begin to win the majority of battles, and display the true strength of their military, as well as their determination. -
Andrew Johnson Becomes the President
Andrew Johnson, Lincoln's vice-president, became president after Lincoln's assassination. He was well known for having one of the worst presidencies, as he would grant previous slaves freedom with the 13th amendment, but nothing else. However, he did assist the slaves in the form of the Freedman's Bureau, which provided them with food, shelter, and education. -
Surrender at Richmond/Appomattox Court House
Towards the end of the war, Lee was changing his location to be certain that he wasn't trapped in an area that was being bombarded. However, he was by Grant and his men during his movement to a new location, where he called for a meeting with Grant in the nearby Appomattox Court House. During their negotiation here, Lee agreed to surrender, ending the Civil War. -
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated whilst enjoying a play after his victory against the Confederacy. This sent the country into chaos, as no president could successfully replicate Abraham Lincoln's original vision for Reconstruction. -
Formation of the KKK
The KKK was founded to terrorize African Americans and be certain that they didn't leave their "jobs." They imposed curfews on blacks, and would beat them, sometimes to death, if they broke them. The existence of this group shows the leniency and unawareness of United States officials at the time. -
Ulysses S. Grant's Election
Ulysses S. Grant was elected following Andrew Johnson's term in office, as he was well known for being a war hero. This would also further humiliate the South, as the man who once led armies against them was the new leader of their government. -
Ratification of the 14th Amendment
The 14th amendment was ratified, allowing everyone born in the United States to be a citizen. This granted all colored people citizenship, protecting their rights. -
15th Amendment Ratification
The 15th Amendment was ratified, granting all citizens the right to vote, regardless of color, race, or previous servitude. This meant people of any color or race could vote -
Hiram Revels takes Oath
Hiram Revels became the first African-American to serve in the United States Senate. He was one of the first examples of representation within the government for African American people. -
Compromise of 1877
This compromise occurred as a result of the Samuel Tilden v. Rutherford B. Hayes election. It stated that if the army was withdrawn from southern states, Hayes would be allowed to win the election with disputed votes. Soldiers were withdrawn, and Hayes won the election
