-
Compromise of 1850
Henry Clay developed resolutions to solve the problem of slavery in the new territories, and developed a plan so California could join the Union. The bill was large and some didn't agree with pieces, so Stephen Douglas split up the bill. Since the bill was split up, Congress could vote on what they agreed with. By fall, all parts of the original proposal were passed. People became angry by the bill, setting the stage for the Civil War. -
The Kansas Nebraska Act
The Kansas Nebraska Act was created to undo the Missouri Compromise, which outlawed slavery in the west. The Kansas Nebraska Act, proposed by Stephen Douglas, said the Great Planes would be divided into two territories: Kansas and Nebraska. Douglas proposed Kansas would be a slave state, and Nebraska would be free. Popular Sovereignty allowed the people to make the decision on the status of slavery, but also led to conflict. Conflict among citizens over the right to vote led to the Civil War. -
Bleeding Kansas
When Kansas allowed popular sovereignty to determine if it would or would not allow slavery, Northerners rushed to the area to create an antislavery majority. While people from Missouri went to vote for a proslavery legislature. The people from Missouri, or border ruffians, then attacked Lawrence, a place where many anti slave settlers were. The attack was called Bleeding Kansas. Many were killed and caused $2 million in damages. The issue of slavery divided the people, leading to the Civil War. -
The Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott was a slave who was taken to free territory. After his master Dr. John Emerson dies, Scott sued for freedom. He won in a small court, but his suit was reversed by the Missouri Supreme Court. The ruling was the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional and slavery could not be prohibited by Congress. It was also stated if an African American was a slave, they couldn't become a citizen and had no power in court. Scott lost, and the decision led to more debate over slavery. -
Lincoln – Douglas Debates
Abraham Lincoln was chosen to run for the US Senate on the Republican side against Stephen Douglas. Douglas was more well known and drew larger crowds, so Lincoln proposed to have debates. These debates made Lincoln more known. Lincoln was against slavery, and Douglas supported popular sovereignty. Lincoln said slavery was a moral issue and should not be allowed in the North, but Douglas said using political means to resolve slavery could lead to civil war. Douglas won the Senate seat. -
Harper’s Ferry
John Brown was against slavery, and created a plan to seize the arsenal of weapons and free the slaves in Harpers Ferry, VA. He was going to free the slaves and set them up to revolt against their owners. The plan did not succeed. Brown was captured and sentenced to death. The North saw this attack as a strength to their abolitionist movement.However, people from the South saw the attack as Northerners plotting against them. These thoughts from the North and South led to the Civil War. -
Lincoln’s Election
Abraham Lincoln was nominated by Republicans as the presidential nominee for the 1860 election. The Republicans, who supported higher tariffs, the transcontinental railroad, and a new homestead law, had most of the Northerners on their side but had to win over the South. People in the south saw Lincoln as a threat to slavery. Lincoln won the election, which angered the south setting the stage for the Civil War. -
Fort Sumter
Jefferson Davis, the Confederate president, captured Fort Sumter before the supply ship, sent by President Lincoln, arrived. The Confederate leaders told the fort's commander Major Robert Anderson to surrender, but he refused. After the Confederates were refused, they attacked for 33 hours. The Confederates won, Anderson and his crew eventually surrendered. This battle marked the start of the Civil War. -
Bull Run
Bull Run was the first major land battle of the Civil War. The Confederates were setting up near the Bull Run River, and Lincoln approved an attack on them. Lincoln hoped they would be defeated easily, and quickly, because they were unorganized. "Stonewall" Jackson got his name because he held high ground, while the others were pushed back. However, the Union troops were forced to retreat. This battle showed the North they need a larger army to defeat the South. -
The Battle of Antietam
General Lee found out George McClellan was after him and had his troops gather near Sharpsburg, Maryland. McClellan had his troops gather beside Antietam Creek. McClellan ordered his troops to attack Lee's troops. Lee was forced to retreat and the Union won. This battle was part of the Civil War, and became the bloodiest one-day battle in American History. The battle led to Lincoln declaring the Emancipation Proclamation. -
The Emancipation Proclamation
After almost 3 years of the Civil War, Lincoln decided to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. This said all slaves in The Confederate States of America shall be free. However, this proclamation would only go into affect if the Union won the Civil War. It also allowed African Americans to join the Union Army, and fight against the Confederates. -
The Battle of Gettysburg and the Gettysberg Address
The Battle of Gettysburg was a battle in the Civil War. The Confederates were in the lead for the first few days, but the Union fought back and won the battle. It was a turning point in the war because the British would no longer recognize the Confederates. The Confederates began losing the war after this battle. Lincoln gave a short two minute speech called the Gettysburg Address. The Gettysburg Address remade America, talking about equality and preserving the Union. -
Andersonville Prison
Andersonville Prison was one of the largest prisons for prisoners-of-war, and is located in Andersonville, Georgia. It was a Confederate Prison that at one point held 45,000 Union prisoners. More that 400 Union members were captured and brought there each day, starting with the first one brought there in February, 1864. Sadly, most of them died from malnutrition and disease while in prison. The prison closed in 1865 when the Civil War ended. -
Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse
General Robert E. Lee surrendered at the Appomattox Courthouse. His surrender officially ended the Civil War. -
Reconstruction
Reconstruction was a time in which America was attempting to rebuild themselves, and make amends after the Civil War. The Civil War was the deadliest war on US soil. During this period, the South had to establish ways to not use slave labor. The slaves were freed, but many lived in hopeless, impoverished circumstances. -
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was at a PlayHouse where he was fatally shot by John Wilkes Booth. Abraham Lincoln was rushed to the hospital, where he later died due to surgery complications. He was assassinated because he had freed the slaves during the Civil War.
