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Politics Contributing to the Civil War
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American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society
Arthur Tappan and Lewis Tappan Organize the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society. The AFASS was a society formed by abolitionists who hoped to lead slaves to freedom. This was a dangerous group to be a part of because many people disagreed with helping slaves. -
Florida is Added to the Union
Florida is admitted to the Union as a slave state which adds to the spread of slavery. After being officially marked a slave state, Florida had many area with over 50% of slaves. -
California Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush increased Northern California with immigrant settlers who quickly out numbered Southern born settlers. The Southerners became angry and tensions rose. -
“Higher law” Address
William H. Seward delivers his “Higher Law” Address stating that a compromise on slavery is wrong under the law of God. Seward was a fairly influential man and for him to say something so different form the rest of America’s beliefs caused tension. -
Confederate States of America
Democrats gain control of all state governments which forms the Confederate States of America. This event strengthens the South’s beliefs that they will win over the North. -
James Buchanan
The democratic candidate, James Buchanan wins the election against John C. Frémont. Buchanan did close to nothing to unite America at a time when it was the most divided. He also did not help stop slavery. -
Dred Scott v. Sandford
The Dred Scott v. Sandford case occurs. The ruling was 7 to 2 and that congress lacks power to exclude slavery from territories and that slaves have no rights. -
John Brown
John Brown tries to start a slave rebellion by stealing from the Federal Armory. He is later captured by U.S. marines led by Robert. E. Lee. This event was very violent and progressed the start of the Civil War even more. -
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln wins the election against John C. Breckinridge. Lincoln did not approve of slavery. The South began to realize that slavery might not continue because the leader of the United States did not agree with it. The South knew everything they had worked for was at risk. -
Jefferson Davis
Jefferson Davis is inaugurated as president of the confederacy. As president, he did not do well at strategizing and had a quick temper.
