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Missouri Compromise
Missouri was admitted into America as a slave state, and Maine separated from Massachusetts, becoming a free state to keep the balance of power in congress -
Nat Turner Slave Rebellion
Inslaved Virginians were led by Nat Turner in a rebellion. Between 55 and 65 people were killed. -
War with Mexico
War fought between America & Mexico during James K. Polk's presidency. -
Wilmot Proviso
David Wilmot offered an amendment forbidding slavery in the territories acquired in the Mexican-American war. -
Compromise of 1850
A compromise of five bills to resolve disputes over slavery in new territories after the Mexican-American war. -
Fugitive Slave Act
The Fugitive Slave Act was passed, making it a legal obligation that slaves be returned to their owners even if they cross into a free state. -
Publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Harriet Beecher Stowe published Uncle Tom's Cabin, which brought the horrors of slavery to the public eye. -
Bleeding Kansas
A period of repeated outbreaks of violent guerrilla warfare between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces following the creation of the new territory of Kansas in 1854. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Repealed the Missouri Compromise, two new territories, and allowed Popular Sovereignty. -
Dred Scott Decision
A court case between Dred Scott & Sandford, rendering the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, among setting other precedents. -
John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry
John Brown leads a small group on a raid against a federal armory in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, and an attempt to destroy slavery by force. The raid ultimately failed, and John Brown was executed for treason. -
Abraham Lincoln elected president
Abraham Lincoln is elected to be the 16th American President, only receiving 40% of the popular vote, but beating the other three candidates. -
South Carolina secedes
South Carolina secedes from the federal union, setting a precedent for other southern states to do the same. -
Formation of the Confederate State of America
The confederacy was formed by seven slave states, those states being South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. -
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter was attacked, officially starting the American Civil War. -
Antietam
A battle between the confederate general Robert E. Lee against George McClellan. It is the deadliest one day battle in American military history. -
Vicksburg
A decisive victory for the Union during the Civil War. Divided the Confederacy, and cemented the reputation of Ulysses S. Grant. -
Gettysburg
Considered the most important engagement in the Civil War, won by the Union. -
Appomattox Courthouse
Victory for the Union. Robert E. Lee surrenders.