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John Brown
John Brown's ideal was to end slavery through armed insurrection, and his violent actions, like that of Harper's Ferry, symbolized radical abolitionism, and increased Northern anti-slave sentiment. -
Publication of "Uncle Tom's Cabin"
Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin," published in 1852, depicted the harsh realities of slavery and became a major catalyst for anti-slavery movements in the North. -
Bloody Kansas
"Bleeding Kansas" sub conflict of the national struggle over slavery. It occurred as violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers, demonstrating the intensity of the sectional divide within America. -
Republican Party
The Republican Party was founded in 1854 with a primary goal of opposing the expansion of slavery into new US territories and states. Its stance appealed to Northern voters, leading to the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860. His victory prompted Southern states to secede, resulting in the American Civil War. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act, passed on May 30, 1854, allowed popular sovereignty in the territories, intensifying the debate over slavery's expansion westward, and further divided the North and South. -
Brooks-Sumner Incident
On May 22, 1856, Congressman Preston Brooks assaulted Senator Charles Sumner on the Senate floor with a cane in response to a speech by Sumner. This symbolized the deepening hostilities, even in congress, between the North and the South over slavery, contributing to the lead-up to the Civil War. -
Election of 1856
The Election of 1856 featured Democrat James Buchanan, Republican John C. Frémont, and American Party candidate Millard Fillmore. Although Buchanan won the presidency, it was extremely significant for the emergence of the Republican Party as strong proponent of anti-slavery within government. -
LeCompton Constitution
The Lecompton Constitution was a proposed pro-slavery state constitution for Kansas in 1857. It was initially rejected by Congress and, after a vote, was ultimately rejected by Kansas voters. This constitution highlighted the deep divisions over slavery in the lead-up to the Civil War. -
Dred Scott
Dred Scott was an enslaved man who had sued for his freedom but lost the case, as the Supreme Court's declared that enslaved individuals were property, even in free territories. This led to further conflict and contributed to the civil war. -
Lincoln Douglas Debates
The debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas highlighted their differing views on slavery's expansion into the territories. Lincoln argued against the spread of slavery, while Douglas advocated popular sovereignty. These debates set the stage for Lincoln's presidency and exacerbated sectional divisions. -
House Divided Speech
One of Lincoln's most significant speeches that emphasized the growing sectional divide within the US. His declaration that "a house divided against itself cannot stand" underscored the profound differences and splits in the US over slavery, foreshadowing the Civil War. -
Harper's Ferry
John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry aimed to incite a slave rebellion by seizing weapons. Though unsuccessful, it alarmed Southerners, who saw it as proof that Northern abolitionists were willing to use violence. In the North, Brown was seen as a martyr, but in the South, it deepened fears of slave revolts and increased sectional tensions. -
Secession
Beginning with South Carolina in December 1860, Southern states seceded in response to Lincoln's election. They feared his anti-slavery policies would threaten their way of life, leading to the formation of the Confederacy and the Civil War. -
Election of 1860
In 1860 Abraham Lincoln, representing the Republican Party, won the presidency without support from a single Southern state. His victory signaled the rise of anti-slavery politics in the North and was viewed by Southern states as a threat to their interests. In response to Lincoln's election, several Southern states seceded from the Union, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the Civil War. -
Lincoln's 1st Inaugural Address
In his address, Lincoln sought to prevent further secession and conflict. He emphasized his commitment to preserving the Union but made it clear that he would defend federal property.