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Missouri Compromise
Was the first major attempt to find some conciliation over the issue of enslavement. -
Mexican War Ended
With the end of the Mexican War in 1848 and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, America was ceded western territories. This posed a problem. As these new territories would be admitted as states -
The Fugitive Slave Act Passes
The Fugitive Slave Act was passed as part of the Compromise of 1850. This act forced any federal official who did not arrest a freedom seeker to pay a fine. -
Uncle Toms Cabin
Was written in 1852 by Harriet Beecher Stowe, an activist who wrote the book to show the evils of enslavement. Was a best-seller and had a huge impact on the way Northerners viewed enslavement. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Was a compromise over enslavement in 1854, as the nation was beginning to be torn apart in the decade before the Civil War. -
'Bleeding Kansas' Riots Shock Northerners
By 1856, Kansas had become a hotbed of violence as pro- and anti-enslavement forces fought over the state's future to the point where it was nicknamed "Bleeding Kansas." -
Charles Sumner Attacked by Preston Brooks on the U.S. Senate Floor
"Border Ruffians" sacked Lawrence, Kansas. One day later, violence occurred on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Congressman Preston Brooks attacked Sen. Charles Sumner with a cane after Sumner had given a speech condemning the pro-enslavement forces for the violence occurring in Kansas. -
Dred Scott Loses His Case to Be Free
In 1857, Dred Scott lost his case that argued that he should be free because he had been held as an enslaved person while living in a free state. -
John Brown Raids Harper's Ferry
He led a group of 17 to raid the arsenal located in Harper's Ferry. His goal was to start an uprising led by enslaved people using the captured weapons. After capturing several buildings,they all were killed or captured by troops led by Col. Robert E. Lee. Brown. They was tried and hanged for treason. -
Abraham Lincoln Is Elected President
Even though his views about enslavement were considered moderate during the nomination and presidential campaign, South Carolina had warned they would secede if he won. He agreed with the majority of the Republican Party that the South was becoming too powerful and made it part of the party platform that enslavement would not be extended to any new territories or states added to the Union.
