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Northern states abolish slavery
Between 1774 and 1804, the North completely abolished slavery in an effort to slow the spread. Slavery was still practiced in the South after this time, vital to the success of the plantations. -
The American Anti-Slavery Society is founded in Philadelphia
Founded by abolitionists William Lloyd Garrison and Arthur Tappan, this organization was formed to dismantle the pro-slavery society of the South. After escaping slavery, Fredrick Douglass was a prominent charcter in the foundation, speaking at meeeting and sharing personal experiences to the public. -
Gag Rule passed
The gag rule was used by The House of Representatives to prohibt the discussion of anti-slavery petitions. Southern Congress members were concerned about the increased opposition to slavery. John Quincy Adams greatly opposed this rule, claiming it was unconstitutional and went against freedom of speech and the freedom to protest. The gag rule was repealed in 1844 after enough northern congressmen voted with Adams. -
Fredrick Douglass escapes slavery, joining the abolishment movement
Fredrick Douglass was an activist, abolitionist, author and public speaker who escaped slavery in 1838. He went on to publish several autobiographies detailing his experiences as a slave in Maryland. He joined the American Anti-Slavery Society and toured the United States giving speeches and spreading awareness by sharing his story. -
Wilmot Proviso is struck down by the Senate
The Wlimot Proviso aimed to prohibit the expansion of slavery in any territory gained during the Mexican-American War. It passed in the House but failed in the Senate, where the South had more influence. The controversy of this law is one of the main factors leading up to the Civil War. -
Fugitive Slave Act is passed
The Fugitive Slave act was part of the compromise of 1850, requiring slaves to be returned to their owners, even in a free state. It also gave the federal government
the opportunity to try alleged fugitive slaves without a jury. This made Northerners realize that slavery wasn’t just a Southern issue. -
Harriet Beecher Stowe publishes Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
This novel had a huge impact on the attitude towards slavery in the United States. It caused a lot of controversy, strengthening Northern abolitionism and exposing the injustice of the Fugitive Slave Act. -
“Bleeding Kansas”
Bleeding Kansas was a series of violent outbreaks between pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups after the addition of the new territory of Kansas. The Kansas-Nebraska act allowed the state of Kansas to decide whether or not to permit slavery, causing a mini civil war. -
Dred Scott Court Decision
The Dred Scott vs. Sanford case was a Supreme Court decision in which the court ruled that a slave who resided in a free state was not entitled to his freedom. It also stated that African Americans were not and would never be citizens. This decision sparked controversy, pushing the country closer to the Civil War. -
Abraham Lincoln is elected President
Abraham Lincoln was a republican, opposed to the expansion of slavery in the territories. Winning the election meant a further divide in the States, Lincoln leading the North.