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Fugitive Slave Act
The Fugitive Slave Act required slaves be returned to their owners even if there were in a free state. The act made federal government responsible for finding, returning, and trying escaped slaves. This violated the liberties of free white northerners. -
"Uncle Tom's Cabin" Published
Harriet Beecher Stowe published "Uncle Tom's Cabin" which became the most influential works for anti-slavery sentiments. -
Dred Scott Case
The case was about Dred Scott and his wife who were sued for their freedom in St. Louis Circuit Court. The conclusion on this date, stated that enslaved people were not citizens of the United States and therefore could not expect any protection from the federal governments or the courts. -
Capture of the Federal Arsenal
John Brown and 21 followers captured the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia in an attempt to start a slave revolt. Brown fought a lot against pro-slave groups -
Jefferson Davis Election
Jefferson Davis is elected provisional President of the confederate States of America. -
Lincoln's Second Confiscation Act
This act emancipated slaves in the federal territory and forbids the return of fugitive slaves -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation, which stated that all enslaved people in rebellious areas to be free, went into effect -
The Battle of Gettysburg
Union forces under the command of George G. Meade repelled Robert E. Lee and his troops. This was the largest battle in the war. -
Gettysburg Address
This address was by president Lincoln to give meaning to the sacrifice of the soldiers who died during the war. -
Lincoln's Assassination
President Lincoln is assassinated. Although he was killed, he did a lot for racial equality and encouraged others to do so as well. -
Confederate Cabinet Dissolves
Jefferson Davis, the president of the confederacy, and the Confederate Cabinet dissolve the confederate government. -
13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment to the Constitution was added which abolished slavery. -
14th Amendment
The 14th amendment to the Constitution was added which granted American citizenship to everyone born in the United States, including formerly enslaved persons. -
15th Amendment
The 15th Amendment of the Constitution was created which prohibits states from denying citizens the right to vote on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude -
The Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act guaranteed African American equal rights in public transportation, public accommodations and jury service. (This was eventually overturned in 1883).