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Missouri Compromise
Although passed 40 years before the Civil War began, the Missouri Compromise played a large part in separating the country. It divided slaves states in the south from free states in the north, and caused growing tensions between the two groups. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 admitted California as a free-state. This was important because it upset the balance of free and slave states in the Union. To appease the South, the compromise also updated fugitive slave laws. -
Kansas Nebraska Act
This act is important because it introduced the idea of popular sovereignty in the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. It also effectively repealed the Missouri Compromise, as states above 36°30' could be slave states, and vice versa. -
Dred Scott Case
In this case, Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Taney decided that slaves were property, and therefore had no rights. This was in response to Dred Scott, a slave who tried to sue for his freedom. This decision confirmed that slavery would not be eradicated any time soon. -
Harper's Ferry Raid
Born in Ohio, John Brown had been an abolitionist most of his life. He eventually decided to work with his sons and a few other men to raid an armory in Harper's Ferry Virginia and start a slave revolt. His attempt failed, and the North viewed him as a martyr while the South viewed him as a terrorist. -
Lincoln's Election
Republican Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States. This event outraged the South because Lincoln had very strong views about the abolition of slavery. This event is also considered the last straw that caused southern states to secede. -
South Carolina Secedes
In response to Lincoln being elected, South Carolina secedes from the Union. This event is very important because it inspires other Southern states to also secede and form their own country, the Confederate States of America. -
Bombardment of Fort Sumter
When southern states bound together to form the CSA, they demanded that all union troops be withdrawn from Fort Sumter in Charleston, Virginia. President Lincoln does not withdraw them, so the South attacks the fort, beginning the first battle of the Civil War. -
First Battle of Bull Run
The First Battle of Bull Run was the first major land battle of the Civil War. It took place roughly 25 miles from Washington DC and was important because it proved to the Union that te South would not give up without a fight. -
Battle of Antietam
Although technically a Union victory, Antietam brought great loss to everyone. It was and still is the single bloodiest day in American history. It confirmed that war comes at a heavy cost and was the start of a long string of failing Union generals. -
The Battle of Gettysburg
After a long string of defeats in the East, the Union needed a decisive victory. Gettysburg was this victory. It inspired the Union army, and disheartened the South. Also, Stonewall Jackson, General Lee's right-hand man was mortally wounded, turning the tide of the war in the North's favor. -
Battle of Appomattox Court House
The final battle of the civil war, fought at Appomattox Court house Virginia, was a decisive Union victory. General Lee surrendered to General Grant, ending the war. -
Lincoln's Assassination
Nearly a week after the war officially ended, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. This was a very influential event because it meant that southern vice president, Andrew Johnson was now president, and would not willingly carryout Lincoln's plans for reconstruction. -
13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments are Passed
In the years 1868-1869, these very important amendments to the constitution were passed. They were important because they finally gave citizenship to former slaves and other undeniable rights, such as the right to vote. -
Black Representation
1970 was an important year for black Americans. Joseph Rainey was seated in the House of Representatives and Hiram Revels became a Senator. These two men showed that people can have a say and be a part of their government, no matter their skin color.
