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Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery in Maryland and begins her work as a conductor on the underground railroads. During her stint as conductor she led hundreds of escaped slaves to freedom over about 10 years until the civil war. -
The Compromise of 1850
The compromise of 1850 included the fugitive slave act which ordered northern citizens to assist the southern states in the capture and return of runaway slaves. -
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Uncle Tom’s Cabin is a book written by Harriet Beecher Stowe and it vividly depicted the harsh and cruel realities of slavery. The book sold hundreds of thousands of copies and helped turn public opinion on slavery. -
Bleeding Kansas
The Kansas-Nebraska act was passed allowing the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves whether or not to allow slavery. This would lead to several violent conflicts which would later be known as “Bleeding Kansas.” -
Dred Scott v. Sanford
The Supreme Court decided that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, were not American citizens therefore could not sue in court. This decision invalidated the Missouri compromise in 1820. -
Lincoln Election
President Abraham Lincoln was a republican who opposed the expansion of slavery. When he was elected many southern states seceded in rebellion, this catapulted America into the Civil War. -
The Civil War
The Civil War was primarily fought over issues involving slavery, state rights, and the future of the union. In 1863 as the emancipation proclamation was issued, African Americans were officially recognized in the United States Army and navy giving the advantage to the union. -
13th amendment
In the same year the Civil War ended, the 13th amendment was added to the United States Constitution. The amendment abolished slavery throughout the country once and for all. -
Reconstruction Era
From 1865-77 the reconstruction of the south began. In this era the government attempted to rebuild the south and address many civil rights and citizenship for formerly enslaved African Americans. This reconstruction was met with massive backlash rom the south leading to segregation, black codes, the KKK, etc. -
15th Amendment
The 15th amendment granted all African American men the right to vote. This was a big step in furthering the country from segregation.