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War with Mexico
President James K. Polk, overcome by manifest distiny, wanted to take California, New Mexico, and part of Texas. Mexico's unwillingness to sell drove Polk to declare war, and once these new territories were conquered the question of slavery arose once again. -
Wilmot't proviso
Congressman David Wilmot proposed a law to ban slavery in all of the territory aquired from Mexico. Wilmot's Proviso, however, was blocked by southern senators who feared that as soon as Northeners gained control of the Senate slavery would be abolished, and with it their way of life. -
Beat Down of Sumner
Congressman Preston Brooks of South Carolina beat Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts with his cane after Sumner gave a speach against slavery. Rather than showing remorse for the actions of their congressman, the South glorified Brooks' actions. Northerners were both disgusted and outraged. These were their most civilized leaders and this even spread uncertainty through out the U.S. -
Dred Scott
In 1857 the Supreme Court made a ruling that nullified the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska Act. This affirmed the North's fear that slave owners would try anything to legalize slavery everywhere. -
Fort Sumter
President Lincoln sent 4 ships to resupply Fort Sumter, and let it be known that if the South tried to prevent it the North would attack. The South feard beign viewd as cowards for freely allowing the Union to run the fort and bombarded Fort Sumter for 2 days. This opened hostilities between North and South, and Lincoln called for volunteers, which made it clear he was prepared to fight to keep the South in the Union.
