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Conflicts Leading to the Civil War
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Nat Turner's Rebellion
A group of slaves led by a black preacher, Nat Turner, killed 60 whites in Southampton, Virginia. The goal was to kill the area's main slave holders and families, picking up supplies and supporters along the way. After hearing about what was going on, white militia ended up surrounding the group of slaves before they could kill anymore families. Before the rebellion, Virginia considered abolishing slavery, but instead made harsh restrictions and caused more southern states to do the same thing. -
Mexican-American War
After Texas gained independence from Mexico and admitted as a state in the US, conflict arose within Mexico about borders. America wanted to expand with their idea of Manifest Destiny, and gaining Mexican territory would do just that. America won the war and gained California as well as all territory north of the Rio Grande. Due to these new territories, debates were being created about whether these new states should be pro-slave or free. -
Wilmot Proviso
The Wilmot Proviso was a piece of legislation proposed by David Wilmot that would outlaw slavery in all territory won from the Mexican-American War. He spent two years fighting of this plan but failed. The intensity of this debate surrounding the Proviso prompted the first serious discussions of secessions. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 were laws passed that were meant to resolve the dispute over the status of slavery in certain territories. It included California becoming a free state and the Fugitive Slave Act. It also organized the rest of the conquered Mexican lands that allowed the people to decide whether to permit slavery. Although the compromise did temporary fix conflicts, it proved that a compromise wasn't going to be a permanent solution that resolved the debate of slavery. -
Kansas Nebraska Act
People wanted to move into the area of Nebraska where slavery was outlawed. Senator Douglas wanted to make Nebraska a territory so he needed southern support. He proposed a southern state, which was Kansas, that would be inclined to support slavery. The Act allowed territories to have popular sovereignty which violated the Missouri Compromise. This caused the North to be outraged which led to more conflict. -
Bleeding Kansas
Bleeding Kansas was a period of violence due to the Kansas Nebraska Act. Pro-slavery and abolitionists flooded into Kansas to try to influence the decision made whether to make Kansas a slave or free state. Blood was shed as they fought battles, captured towns, and set prisoners free. -
Attack of Charles Sumner
On May 22nd, Preston Brooks, a member of the House of Representatives, attacked an abolishinst and Senator, Charles Sumner after Sumner's anti-slavery speech. Brooks almost beat Sumner to death with his cane. This is yet another contribution over the issue of slavery. -
Dred Scott vs Sanford
In this case, Dred Scott, a slave, sued for his freedom on the grounds in a free territory. The courts decision was that living in a free state did not entitle a slave to his freedom, because slaves are not citizens. They also stated that Congress had no power to exclude slavery form other territories. -
John Brown's Raid
Abolitionist, John Brown, led a raid of 19 men in Virginia in an effort to capture weapons and supplies and distribute the items to slaves. This could help the slaves protect themselves. A force of US Marines put down this uprising which caused many deaths and injuries. Brown was later hung due to his actions. This raid shows how people during this time supported violent action to deal with the issue of slavery. -
Battle of Fort Sumter
After Lincoln's election, seven southern states seceded from the Union. They called themselves the Confederacy and demanded that all property be turned over including military property. Lincoln didn't send arms or troops, but instead sent ships with supplies like food. On April 12th, Confederate guns opened fire on Fort Sumter. With this, the Civil War was officially upon the North and the South.
