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Slavery began in North America
Slaves began to be imported from Africa. It later became illegal when having slaves created tension between the states. Slavery is the main cause of the Civil War. -
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Events Leading up to the Civil War
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Three States have Legalized Slavery
By 1667 three of the original states, Massachusetts Bay Colony, Virginia, and Maryland, have legalized slavery. This is the start of the battle between slave states and free states. -
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the colonies. It was signed by Thomas Jefferson and other men who owned slaves. What's ironic about the slave-owners signing this document is that it states, "all men are created equal," but they don't treat them that way. -
Vermont abolishes slavery
Vermont is the first colony(it is not yet a state) to abolish slavery. This is a big turn in events because Vermont is the first of many free slave states; after this more states will follow Vermon't path. -
Massachusetts abolishes slavery, gives Africans the right to vote
Massachusetts abolishes slavery, but they also give Africans the right to vote, which other colonies and states have not yet done. -
Eli Whitney invents Cotten Gin
The invention of the cotton gin changes slavery. With it, slaves can clean cotton faster, so the demand of cotton goes up. After the demand of cotton goes up so does the need of slaves, so plantation owners purchase more slaves for their farms. -
Slaves become illegal to import
Congress passes a law saying that you can't import slaves to North America. Even with this law, some plantation owners find a way around it, but slave trade begins to die down. -
William Lloyd Garrison publishes first issue of The Liberator
Garrison publishes the first abolitionist newspaper. This newspaper enrages those who are against slavery, which is mostly Southerners. -
Mexican War
The Mexican War creates tension between the slave and non slave states. -
Abraham Lincoln for President
Lincoln being elected president was one of the greatest things that helped abolish slavery. He was against it and tried to help the slaves. Not very many people appreciated him because of this. -
Confederates form Army
The Confederates organize an army of volunteers. -
First shots fired
The first shot of the Civil War was fired at 4:30 am. This shot started the civil war.
