-
The Compromise of 1850
Begun by Henry Clay and completed by Stephen Douglas, this deal prevented threats of Southern succession from becoming reality. The new laws provided that California entered the Union as a free state, that popular sovereignty was used to decide slavery in the Utah and New Mexico territories, and established a stronger fugitive slave law. -
The Underground Railroad
This system was made to escort escaped slaves to freedom. It was established soon after the passage of the stronger fugitive slave law, which meant that people helping the slaves could now be arrested for doing so. Its most famous conductor is Harriet Tubman, who made 19 trips into the South and helped around 300 slaves. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Stephen Douglas introduced the bill as a way to compromise on slavery in the territory. It repealed the Missouri Compromise and established popular sovereignty to decide the future of slavery in both territories. This act leads to a bloody battle in Kansas as both sides fight to win the vote. -
The Dred Scott Case
Dred Scott was a slave who was brought from Missouri to Illinois, a free state, and back to Missouri. He then sued on the grounds that being in a free state had made him a free man. The case reaches the Supreme Court, where it is ruled that because he is a slave, and therefore property, he had no right to sue. Slavery was also now protected by the Fifth Amendment, as property could not be taken without due cause. The ruling energizes the slavery debate across the country. -
The Raid on Harpers Ferry
John Brown leads a raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry with the aim to capture arms and distribute them to slaves. The raid fails and is put down by federal troops, and Brown is later hung. Opinions are split, as the North sees a hero, and the South a terrorist. The raid only adds fuel to the fiery debate over slavery. -
The Election of 1860
The Republicans nominate Abraham Lincoln to go against the assorted candidates of the fractured Democratic Party. Lincoln wins even without the popular majority and any electoral votes from the South. He was not even on some of the ballots in the Southern states. His election adds tension to the future of the Union -
The South Secedes
Beginning with South Carolina in December 1860, the southern states secede from the Union. They formed the Confederate States of America, elect Jefferson Davis as president, and established their capital in Richmond, Virginia with the intention of protecting slavery. -
The First Battle of Bull Run
Bull Run marked the first major battle of the Civil War. About 25 miles from Washington, D.C., many citizens came to watch the battle. The Union is defeated and retreat back to Washington, while Southern moral increases greatly. It is clear the war will not be as short as the North hoped. -
The Battle of Antietam
The battle marks the bloodiest single day in American history as there are more than 26,000 casualties. The battle ends in a draw as Confederate reinforcements are able to strengthen the lines after a Union assault. McClellan is removed from command after the battle. -
The Emancipation Proclmation
Lincoln issues this order following the battle of Antietam, which he declared a win for the Union. In addition to freeing slaves, which was his moral standing, the order deprived the Confederacy of their labor force for building military items. -
The North's Successes
In the span of the first few days of July, the Union is victorious at both Vicksburg and Gettysburg. The capture of Vicksburg gives the Union control of the Mississippi River and divides the South, while Gettysburg marks the last Confederate attack in the North and proved to be a massive loss of troops for Lee. -
Appomattox Courthouse
Grant pursues Lee from RIchmond and is able to follow him to Appomattox. Lee, knowing he is unable to defeat Grant, is forced to surrender. The terms of surrender are light, at Lincoln's order. The surrender effectively ends the Civil War, besides some light fighting that ends within a month. -
The Thirteenth Amendment
The thirteenth amendment is passed soon after the war and officially abolishes slavery in the United States. Approximately 4 million slaves are freed by the amendment. In order for the Southern states to reenter the Union, they must also ratify the amendment. -
Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendment
Congress continues to raise the position of the former slaves by passing these amendments. The fourteenth in 1866 stated that all people born in the United States were citizens; while the fifteenth in 1870 prevented people from being blocked from voting. Both primarily help the former slaves in establishing and keeping their rights. -
The End of Reconstruction
While the South is bound by the new amendments, the people do not follow them. Organizations to intimidate African-Americans, such as the KKK, emerge, and black codes and voting requirements are passed to control and limit the black population. The government is unable to stop these activities, and Reconstruction is largely finished by the end of Grant's presidency.
