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Importation of Slaves Ends
- Economic: The end of the international slave trade increased the domestic slave trade within the United States, leading to the forced migration of slaves from the upper South to the lower South and newly acquired western territories.
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The Missouri Compromise/The Compromise of 1820
- Political: The Missouri Compromise admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance of power in Congress. It also prohibited slavery north of the 36°30′ latitude in the Louisiana Territory.
- Social: The compromise temporarily eased tensions between the North and South over the issue of slavery.
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Nat Turner's Rebellion
- Social: A slave rebellion in Virginia led by Nat Turner that resulted in stricter slave laws and increased tension between North and South over the issue of slavery.
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Gag Rule in Congress
- Political: The House of Representatives adopted a series of "gag rules" that automatically tabled anti-slavery petitions, preventing them from being discussed.
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The Wilmot Proviso
- Political: Proposed to ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico as a result of the Mexica- America War. Although it passed in the House, it failed in the Senate, highlighting the deep sectional divide.
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The Compromise of 1850
- Political: Admitted California as a free state, allowed popular sovereignty in the territories of Utah and New Mexico, and abolished the slave trade (but not slavery itself) in Washington D.C. It also included a stricter Fugitive Slave Act.
- Social: The stricter Fugitive Slave Act increased tensions and resistance in the North.
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The Fugitive Slave Act
- Political: Required citizens to assist in the capture of runaway slaves and denied alleged fugitives the right to a jury trial, further polarizing the North and South.
- Social: Led to increased abolitionist activity and support in the North, as well as widespread anger and defiance.
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Uncle Tom's Cabin
- Social: Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel depicted the brutal realities of slavery, galvanizing anti-slavery sentiment in the North and becoming a significant factor in the growing abolitionist movement.
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The Kansas-Nebraska Act
- Political: Repealed the Missouri Compromise by allowing settlers in Kansas and Nebraska to determine through popular sovereignty whether they would allow slavery, leading to violent national conflict.
- Social: "Bleeding Kansas" became a battleground between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers, illustrating the deepening national divide.
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Bleeding Kansas
- Social/Political: A series of violent confrontations in Kansas between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, further inflaming sectional tensions and leading to widespread violence.
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The Caning of Charles Sumner
- Social/Political: After delivering a fiery anti-slavery speech, Senator Charles Sumner was brutally attacked by pro-slavery Congressman Preston Brooks on the Senate floor. This incident highlighted the intense passions and divisions over slavery.
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The Dred Scott Decision
- Political: The Supreme Court ruled that African Americans were not citizens and had no standing to sue in federal court. It also declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, stating that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in the territories.
- Social: This decision further polarized the nation, outraged the North, and emboldened the South.
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John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry
- Social/Political: An attempt by abolitionist John Brown to initiate a slave rebellion by raiding a federal armory. The raid increased tensions and fear of slave uprisings in the South.