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Abolotionist Movement
Many people, both black and white, believed that slevery was unethical and should be illigal. This movement was called abolitionism, and gained popularity as the century went on. It called for the freeing of slaves and equal treatment. -
Missouri Compromise
After Missouri was gained as territry from the Mexican-U.S. War, there were disputes as to whether slavery should be legal in Missouri. People from both sides of the argument rushed to populate the area. It was decided that Missouri would be a slave state, but Maine would become a free state to keep the balance between free and slave states. -
The Fugitive Slave Act/Underground Railroad
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Uncle Tom's Cabin
Harriet Beecher Stowe published "Uncle Tom's Cabin" which showed a side of slavery that many people were not aware of. It became a bestseller and contributed to the abolitionist movement. -
John Brown and Bleeding Kansas
John Brown was an abolitionist famous for battles that resulted in the deaths of people in favor of slavery. He was hanged for treason and bacame a martyr to many. -
Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott was a slave who fought for his freedom through the Supreme Court who denied him, stating that no person with African blood could become a citizen. This decision also overruled the Missouri Compromise and made abolitionists outraged. -
Ableman v. Booth
Abolitionust Shermer Booth was arrested for violating the Fugitive Slave Act when he helped to rescue an escaped slave. The Supreme Court of Wisconsin released him and declared the Fugitive Slave Avt unconstitutional. Hiowever, when challenged by the federal government, the state court refused to recognize the federal decision. The Supreme Court ruled that the ststes do not have power to overrule federal decisions. -
The Election of 1860
Abraham Lincoln won the 1860 election, causing many people in favor of slavery to fear that the Republican party would overthrow slavery. LIncoln sais that he was not in favor of slavery, but that he would not interfere with slavery where it already existed. -
Southern Secession
The South Carolina secessionn convection voted to secceed. This had been threatened before but Jackson sent troops to make sure it did not and a compromise prevented them from secceeding. However this time, they had other states on the same side.
