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The Underground Railroad
Many abolitionists helped slaves escape bondage. People who got caught trying to help the slaves were beaten vigorously. Harriet Tubman was the most active person when it came to freeing the slaves. -
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Conflicts Leading up to Civil War
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The Wilmot Proviso
The Proviso outlawed slavery in territory acquired by the U.S. as a result of the Mexican-U.S., which included most of the Southwest and extended all the way to California. Wilmot spent two years fighting for his plan. He attempted to attatch it to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. All his attempts at passing the Wilmot Proviso failed but it caused first thoughts of secession. -
End of the Mexican War
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-U.S. War. This caused a problem between the two nations whether they would be states and whether or not there would be slavery. This is the oldest treaty still in place between Mexico and the U.S. -
Fugitive Slave Act
This Act was passed as a part of the Compromise of 1850. This law stated that if a federal official didn't arrest a runaway they would be fined for their action. This forced abolitionists to put more effort against slavery. This Act forced underground railroads to help slaves have a safer escape route to Canada. -
The Release of Uncle Tom's Cabin
This book (Uncle Tom's Cabin) by Harriet Beecher Stowe who was an abolitionist was about the evils of slavery. This book had a big impact on how Americans viewed slavery, especially the northerners. This book was most definitely an event that led to the outbreak of the Civil War, even Abraham Lincoln. -
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Bleeding Kansas
Bleeding Kansas was caused by the Kansas-Nebraska Act. This Act gave the two territories an option to become pro- or anti- slavery. So, many people from both sides migrated there to help decide which the state would be in terms of slavery. It was fairly even causing much violence. -
Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott, a slave, wanted American citizenship. When this case came to the Supreme Court. They denied his request and said that any man who's African American can not become a U.S. citizen. -
John Brown’s Raid
John Brown organized an army of 18 white men to help free slaves in Harper's Ferry, VA. His goal was to get as many weapons as possible to the slaves. He was captured and tried for treason. This caused the South to become more prepared for events like this. -
Abraham Lincoln Elected President
When Abe Lincoln, a republican, was elected president 7 states seceded from the Union. Lincoln's views on slavery were in the middle at the time so SC said they would secede if he won the election. The South seemed to powerful so Abraham made a rule that any state in or joining the Union had to be antislavery. -
Fort Sumter
Confederate forces in Charleston, SC demanded the fort’s surrender. But Major Anderson refused, so the Confederates opened fire with cannons and the next day they surrendered. This caused the start of the Civil War.
