-
Three-Fifths Compromise
In determining the redistricting process at the Constitutional Convention, the South wanted to count slaves toward the limits in order to get more representation in Congress. However, the North did not support this, and instead, they settled upon this compromise. This set a precedent very early on that the concept of slavery was acceptable, and the expansion of this issue was a driving force in Southern secession later down the line. -
Missouri Compromise
Through early American history, the number of free states was at worst equal in representation with the slave states. The admission of Missouri as a slave state threatened this balance, and in compromise, the state of Maine was admitted. The 36'30 line was also established, prohibiting future slave states north of it. This was the first glaring example of sectionalism and an offense against the expansion of slavery and often pointed to as where the tension truly began. -
Virginia Slave Debates
After the rebellion put on by Nat Turner, the state of Virginia argued extremely about the issue of slavery through 1831 and 1832. The immediate result of the debates was a change in attitude toward slaves. Slavery became harder work, as to suppress rebellions before they could begin, and criticism of the system became illegal in the South. This change in attitude fostered abolitionist sentiment in the Antebellum reform, which emboldened the North's opposition to the expansion of slavery. -
Nat Turner Rebellion
There were a number of slave rebellions up to this point, but none as successful as the rebellion Nat Turner staged. He armed a large number of slaves, who proceeded to rebel. Before the rebellion was suppressed, 57 people were killed. This rebellion was instrumental in the happening of the Virginia Slave Debates, an important step in the development of American sectionalism. -
Compromise of 1850
The issue of the expansion of slavery reared its ugly head again with the territorial gains from the Mexican-American War. In compromise, the following was determined relating to slavery: California would be free, New Utah and New Mexico could choose, and the federal government would enforce a new Fugitive Slave Act. This new act put an end to sanctuary cities for runaway slaves and served as only a temporary solution. Both sides were still very unhappy, only building further tension. -
Passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act
As Kansas and Nebraska approached the population needed to become a state, the expansion of slavery was threatened again. In a decision, the federal government decided it would be up to popular sovereignty. This resulted in a rush of people to Kansas and started a violent period called "Bleeding Kansas." There were a series of riots and attacks in Kansas for the years following.
Tensions had escalated to a point where war could break out at the drop of a hat. -
Harper's Ferry
John Brown, a vocal radical abolitionist, led a group to storm a federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry to arm slaves. He was captured and put to death. The North saw him as a martyr who died to end slavery, and the South saw him as a traitor. This further worsened an already close-to-violent situation and is seen by some historians as the point of no return in preventing the Civil War.
