Road to the Civil War Cropper Example

First Slave Arrives in America

Mar 1, 1619

Missouri Applies for Statehood

Mar 1, 1819

The Tallmadge Amendment

Mar 1, 1819

This was an amendment to try and eventually end slavery in Missouri. It stated that the children of slaves after they were 25 years of age were free. The Senate refused and that effort was lost.

Missouri Compromise

Mar 1, 1820

When Missouri was applying for statehood, It was stated that the 36°30 line should still be followed, but that all land in Missouri should be slave free regardless of what percentage is above or below the line. The amendment passed in the House, but not likewise in the Senate. Missouri eventually was admitted into the United States as a slave state.

Gag Rule

Mar 1, 1836

The Gag Rule was a rule that was passed that stated the the subject of slavery would not be open for discussion or debate for a certain number of years. Many people argued that this took away their right to petition. Although first made to try and resolve the issue of slavery and prevent war, this was just something that contributed to very beginnings of it.

Wilmot Proviso

Mar 1, 1846

This Proviso stated that all land acquired from Mexico should enter the United States as a slavery free state. It passed in the House, but did not in the Senate. After the failure, it was proposed to become part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, but that effort failed as well.

California Applies for Statehood

Mar 1, 1849

Compromise of 1850

Mar 1, 1850

The Compromise of 1850 was a succesful document that passed by pieces. There were both pros and cons for the South and the North. The North enjoyed that California was admitted as a free state and that slave trade was banned in Washington, DC. The South enjoyed that a stricter version of the Fugitive Slave Act was enforced.

Uncle Tom's Cabin Published

Mar 1, 1851

Uncle Tom's cabin was a fictional story about the horrors of slavery written by Harriet Beacher Stowe. It also incorporated ideas of slaves being strong Christians and being capable of just as much love as a white man. This book opened the eyes of many people to just how horrible slavery was and contributed to the starts of war.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

Mar 1, 1854

The Kansas-Nebraska Act was something that let the people who reside there determine whether or not slavery would be allowed in the area of Kansas and Nebraska, this was also known as Popular Sovereignty. Although Kansas had previouslly been closed to slavery, due to this, it had a chance to expand here. This resulted in bloody revolts.

Brooks Attacks Sumner in Congress

Mar 1, 1856

This was a shocking event not only for the members of Congress, but for the people as well when the news was heard. Brooks disagreed with the things Sumner said so strongly, that he proceeded to attack Sumner in response. The South favored this action and as an act of valliance or rewardance, sent him new canes to replace the one he broke on Sumner. Sumner was left bloody and severely wounded.

Dred Scott Decision

Mar 1, 1857

The Dred Scott decision stated that the whole case was in void because he was not a citizen, he did not have a right to be seen in court. The Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. Also, property could not be taken from their owners because of the Fifth Amendment.

John Brown's Raid

Mar 1, 1859

Lincoln Elected President

Mar 1, 1860

The South Fires on the North

Mar 1, 1861