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Missouri Compromise
There was 11 free states and 11 slave states, but Missouri wanted to enter, so this would throw off the balance. The solution was to draw the Mason-Dixon line, which was from Missouri to California. All future states above the line would be free (except for Missouri), and Maine would be free and become a seperate state. This literally divided the nation between the North and South. -
Compromise of 1850
After gold was discovered in California, many people came to live there and applied for statehood. Since the Missouri Compromise line stopped at California, no one knew if it was a free or slave state. The result was this compromise; California became free, there was no more slave trade in our nation's capitol, and all runaway slaves had to be returned. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Senator Douglas wanted a northern railroad route, but needed southern support. The deal was that if the South went along with the route, the Missouri Compromise line would be erased. Popular sovereignty would replace the line, so each state would vote for themselves on slavery. -
Bleeding Kansas
As a result of the Kansas-Nebraksa act, fights broke out over whether or not states would be free or slave. -
Sumner-Brooks Incident
A northern senator (Sumner) spoke poorly of a southern senator (Butler) while arguing against slavery. As a result, Butler's cousin, Brooks, beat Sumner with a cane on Senate floor. This woke everyone up to how close to war the country was. -
John Brown's Raid
John Brown attempted to lead a slave uprising at Harper's Ferry, VA. He organized an "army" and attempted to kill slave owners.
