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Missouri Compromise
When Missouri requested to join the union as a slave state, congress let them join on one condition. Maine had to be admitted as a free state. This kept the peace between pro & anti slavery supporters. Also, an imaginary line was drawn between free and slave regions. This increased tension over the issue of slavery and threatened the balance of freedom.
Pimary Source
This source is a map of the land affected by the Missouri Compromise. -
Wilmot Proviso
David Wilmot proposed a ban on slavery in all territories from the Mexican Cession. It was being debated whether or not this area should be free. The bill passed the house but not the senate. This caused much tension and angered Southerners because they viewed it as a Northern attack. It made the North very happy though.
Primary Source
Shows the Southern opinion on this document. -
Compromise of 1850
The document stated that California would be a free state and two Western territories would choose by popular sovereignty. Slave trade ended in D.C., and fugitive slave laws were passed. Lastly, Texas gave up their claim to New Mexico. This compromise was good for everyone because it helped both sides in different ways. It also gave some some people the power to choose for themselves.
Primary Source
Henry Clay's draft of the document. -
Fugitive Slave Act
This act allowed officials to arrest anyone accused of being a runaway slave. The accused had no right to trial. Even citizens were required to help catch these slaves. Slaves who had been free for twenty eyars could be captured. This angered the North, who thought it was very unfair, but the South was very happy with this part of the Compromise of 1850.
Primary Source
Article telling fugitive slaves to watch out for catchers. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
This is a novel published by Harriet Beecher Stowe. It's about an enslaved man who is abused by his owner. This book helped more Northerners realize slavery was a serious moral issue. On the other hand, the South thought the book was propoganda. The book created a lot of agruement whether slavery was unethical or if it was perfectly fine.
Primary Source
The book's original cover. -
Kansas Nebraska Act
Kansas and Nebraska wanted to be admitted into the nation as states. The South hoped they'd choose to be slave states. The North hoped they'd be free states. Settlers immediately poured in to vote for their sides. Violence broke out and all the fighting named the events "Bloody Kansas".
Primary Source
The map shows free and slave states. -
Dred Scott Case
A slave named Dred Scott sued for his freedom. He had moved with his owner to two free states. He thought that this should mean he was a free man. The court's decision pretty much forced him to keep being a slave and changed the law so slaves were allowed in free territories. The South rejoiced and the North feared the ruling.
Primary Source
The Supreme Court's decision. -
Lincoln Douglas Debate
There was a series of debates between Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. Douglas thought individual states should decide on slavery. Lincoln thought slavery should not spread any more. Douglas won the election for senate in the end. This still helped Lincoln gain momentum in his political career.
Primary Source
Postage stamp commemorating debates. -
John Brown's Raid
John Brown raised a group of followers to help free Southern slaves. They planned an armed revolt but they were beat and captured. He was found guilty of treason and hanged. This revolt was strongly supported by the North, who thought he was brave. The South thought he was threatening their way of life.
Primary Source
His last prophecy before he was hanged. -
Lincoln's Election of 1860
In the election, the Southern canditate, Breckinridge was for slavery everywhere. Douglas thought that states should choose for themselves. Bell just wanted to keep the nation together. Then Lincoln, a republican wanted slavery to end. He was the winner and the countries new president, greatly angering the Southern states.
Primary Source
Letter from Lincoln to Douglas. -
Southern Secession
When Lincoln won, the South felt as if the government was against them. They thought the President and congress would work against their ideals. The states began formally removing themselves from the Union. They formed their own nation and refused to come back to the US. Eventually, a fight began and the Civil War started.
Primary Source
An article on the South seceding.
