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Fugitive Slave Act
Slaves were not entitled to trial by jury. They cannot testify on their behalf. Anyone convicted of helping a slave was fined $1000 and spent 6 months in prison. -
Founding of the Republican Party
The Northern Whigs met with anti-slavery Democrats and formed a new party against slavery. -
Violance in Kansas
Battle between slavery and anti-slavery. "Sack of Lawrence" beat anti-slavery in Kansas. Kansas becomes a free state and strengthens the anti-slavery movement. -
The Beating of Charles Sumner
During depute on slavery and abolition, Preston S. Brooks beat Sumner on the head with his cane. Brooks claimed Sumner's speech to be "a libel on South Carolina". -
Dred Scott Decision
Scott sued the Federal Court for freedom. He belived he should be free because he lived in free territory. The Supreme Court ruled that African Americans were not considered citizens. The Missouri Compromise was destroyed and slavery extended. -
Lincoln Douglas Debates
Debate was over slavery issues. Douglas won the election. The split between the North and the South worsened. -
John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry
John Brown led black and white men to Harpers Ferry with the intent of a slave uprising. Brown was captured and hanged. -
The Election of 1860
Lincoln won by electoral votes in the North, but received none in the South. This led to southern secession.
