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The Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 makes California a free state, and allows the slave states of New Mexico and Utah to be decided by popular sovereignty, and bans slave trade in D.C. -
Fugitive Slave Act
The Fugitive Slave Act was passed along with the Compromise of 1850. This act forced any federal official who did not arrest a runaway slave responsible for paying a fine. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Harriet Beecher Stowe writes a book that explores the realism of slavery and opens eyes. This further divides the North and the South. -
The Kansas-Nebraska Act
This act allowed for popular sovereignty to decide if each of the two territories would be free or slave. Both states are above the Missouri Compromise line, so this act avoided the line. -
Pottawatomie Massacre
John Brown committed the massacre as an anti-slavery avocate. -
The Election of 1856
John C. Fremont, a Republican, loses the election over James Buchanan, a Democrat. -
Dred Scott Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Dred Scott v. Sanford denies citizenship to all slaves, ex-slaves, and descendants of slaves and denies Congress the right to prohibit slavery in the territories. -
Lecompton Constitution
The Lecompton Constitution was written by proslavery supporters and was the second constitution drafted for Kansas Territory. The document permitted slavery, excluded free blacks from living in Kansas and allowed only male citizens of the United States to vote. -
John Brown’s Raid
John Brown led a small army of 18 men into Harper's Ferry. His goal was to attempt an armed slave revolt and raid against a federal armory. -
Abraham Lincoln Elected
Abraham Lincoln went against Stephan Douglas to become the first Republican president. As a Republican, his party was anti-slavery.
