Events Leading To The Civil War

Wilmot Proviso

Aug 8, 1846

Proclaimed the idea that slavery should be banned in all states.

Compromise of 1850

Jan 29, 1850

Fugitive slave act was put in place, and slave trade in Washington D.C.

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" is first published

Mar 20, 1852

Anti Slavery novel written by Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Kansas - Nebraska Act

May 30, 1854

Kansas and Nebraska were passed by Congress. Proposed because they wanted a railroad between the two territories.

John Brown's Massacre at Pottawatomie Creek

May 25, 1856

Attacked proslavery people, killed 5 people.

Dred Scott Decision

Mar 6, 1857

Dred Scott sued for freedom. African Americans were stated to never be able to be citizens.

Lincoln - Douglas Debate "A House Divided Against itself cannot stand.

Jun 16, 1858

Debate against Douglas. Lincoln gave an amazing speech that people liked a lot. Famous words, "A House Divided Against itself cannot stand", were said.

John Brown's Raid at Harpers Ferry, Virginia

Oct 18, 1859

John Brown led a small group to raid against the federal armory.

Abraham Lincoln is elected as a Republican President

Nov 6, 1860

Abraham Lincoln won the election in 1860.

South Carolina Secedes from the Union

Dec 20, 1860

South Carolina leaves the union after a bill was passed that they didn’t like.

Confederate States of America are formed

Feb 4, 1861

Southern states left the union one by one until they formed the Confederate States of America.

Confederate Troops Fire at Fort Sumter, South Carolina

Apr 13, 1861

After South Carolina seceded on December 20, 1860, the state demanded the fort be turned over but Union officials refused. They then attacked.