Political highlights By alyssa_paglia Mar 4, 1789 first congress took up its business Oct 1, 1800 Congressed moved jenkin highs Jun 1, 1812 congress declared war Jan 1, 1820 missouri compromise Jan 1, 1850 California trial to be free state Jan 1, 1852 President Clay and Webster die Jan 1, 1860 compromise ended Nov 1, 1860 Abe Lincoln became president Dec 13, 1860 South Carolina receeded from union Apr 2, 1861 civil war Dec 13, 1863 capital building finished Jan 1, 1865 slavery abolished Apr 2, 1917 war against germany Jan 1, 1946 congress seriously considered slavery