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Prigg v. Pennsylvania
Court upholds the ruling of the Fugitive Slave Act. No state can pass laws to not enforce it. Leads to polarization of non-slaveholders. -
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The Wilmot Proviso
A bill that proposed the prevention of slavery in all new territories. Prompted the first major discussions of slavery and secession. -
War with Mexico/ Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo
The northerners were upset with the War of Mexico because they accused it of just southerners seeking more land to spread slavery into. The northerners also hated Polk for supporting it with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. -
Free Soil Party
New anti-slavery party. Led to increased tensions between political parties and arguments. -
The Compromise of 1850
Prevented further expansion of slavery while enforcing the Fugitive Slave Act. Enforced structural disparity and led to increased polarization of non-slaveholders. -
Fugitive Slave Act
Fugitive Slave Act denied accused runaway slaves trial by jury. Sometimes even freed slaves would be taken south because special commisioners were paid five dollars to say they were free and ten dollars to say they were not. Therefore, northerners were very upset because southerners could claim slaves in the north back down to the south. This was when the peak of the underground railroad to Canada occured as well (1850-1860). -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Written by Harriet Beecher Stowe to open people's eyes to the horrors of slavery. Brought the issue of slavery to all people and led to widened divisions between the North and South. -
Anthony Burns Uproar
President Pierce enforces Fugitive Slave Act. Wendell Phillips and others attack a federal court house. Leads to more polarization -
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Bleeding Kansas
Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed people to vote on slavery. Pro- and anti- slavery people went to the territories which led to bloodshed. This violence increased the division and shook the nation. -
Republican Party Formed
Due to northern outrage over "Bleeding Kansas", the Republican party formed firmly on the belief slavery could not be spread. This party developed from the Free-soilers. -
Congressman Preston Brooks Beats Senator Charles Sumner
Congressman Preston Brooks of South Carolina beats Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts with a cane. Northerners and southerners become even more hostile towards each other because Congressman are supposed to be the examples for others and keep their country civilized. The northerners were even more upset when the southerners celebrated with Preston Brooks and gave him gifts. Preston Brooks acted out because of a personal insult in Charles Sumner's speech. -
Dred Scott v. Sanford
Dred Scott attempts to sue for his freedom, the court rules that since he is a possession he cannot sue. Led to the Southerners renewing their fight for expansion of slavery and more polarization. -
Abraham Lincoln vs. Stephen Douglas debate
During the 1858 election for Illinois, Abraham Lincoln and Stephan Douglas debated the issue of slavery. Abraham Lincoln believed slavery should exist where it is and not spread, but believed more that "A house divided against itself annot stand." Douglas believed it was the people's choice/decision. The southerners fealt threatned by Lincoln's beliefs because they thought that Lincoln's belief that the country couldn't be split would threaten the institution of slavery. -
John Brown's Raid
Organized a group to invade a government arsenal to help slaves revolt. Led to Southerners militarizing and Brown becoming a martyr for the Abolitionist cause. -
Abraham Lincoln's Election
Won despite not being included on some Southern ballots. His anti-slavery policy made Southerners afraid. Led to SC seceding with other states to follow.
