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Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was created by Henry Clay in order to solve some of the northern and southern disagreements on slavery. It established the Fugitive Slave Act and the slave trade in Washington D.C. was abolished. -
Fugitive Slave Law
The Fugitive Slave Law allowed the capturing and returning of runaway slaves to their masters. Anyone who knew of a runaway slave and didn't return them was fined. -
"Uncle Tom's Cabin" publication
"Uncle Tom's Cabin" is a book written by Harriet Beecher Stowe promotting anti-slavery ideas. The book shows the harsh reality of slavery during the 19th century. -
Birth of the Republican Party
The Republican Party was founded by abolitionist activists. The party is first recognized in the 1856 election where Republican John Fremont ran against James Buchanan and Millard Fillmore. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854
The Kansas-Nebraska Act created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. This act was important because it allowed the new territories to decide on the issue of slavery through popular soverignty, repealing the Missouri Compromise of 1820. -
Brooks attacks Sumner in Senate
Congressman Preston Brooks beat Senator Charles Sumner during a congressional meeting over the issue of expansion of slavery.This event showed how even in the central government there were major disagreements when it came to the topic of slavery. -
Dred Scott v. Sandford
In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that African American's were not considered U.S. citizens and therefore, could not sue in federal court. This court decision created a lot of controvery between abolitions and pro-slavery supporters. -
John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry
John Brown led a group of abolitionists to raid Harper's Ferry in the hopes of gaining weapons. These weapons would be supplied to slaves and freedom fighters, spreading the abolitionist cause. -
Election of 1860
Abraham Lincoln was the winner if the 1860 presidential candidate. His win drove 10 southern states to decide to succed from the United States and create their own confederacy. -
Shots fired at Fort Sumter
The shots at Fort Sumter began the Civil War. This was the very first battle fought during the Civil War.
