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Wilmot Proviso
This bill aimed to outlaw slavery in territories taken from Mexico. This bill passed in the House of Representatives but was defeated in the senate thus cuasing a division in Congress. Although, not a success it led to the formation of the Free Soil Party. -
Compromise of 1850
A series of congessional laws intended to settle disagreements between free states and slave states. People liked the compromse thinking it would save the union. Though it did not bring peace. -
Kansas - Nebraska Act
It was a law that made the territories of kansas and Nebraska. It gave the right to decide to allow slavery by popular sovereignty. People started to realize that it would start to turn into a battle ground over slavery. -
Bleeding Kansas
Proslavery and antislavery settlers rush into kansas territory to vote for territorial legislation. Antislavery settlers boycott official government and were attacked. As a result the official Kansas legislature was packed with proslevery representatives. -
Canning of Sumner
Senator Charles Sumner's speech attacks proslavery forces in Kansas and makes fun of A.P butler. A relative of Butler, Preston Brooks attacks the senator. Southerners cheer Brooks defense of the south. -
Dred Scott Vs Sandford
Dred Scott is a slave in Missouri taken by a owner to a territory where slavery is illegal but returns to Missouri. Scott sues for his freedom. His case reaches the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court rules against Scott becuase Scott is not a U.S. citizen and he can't sue the U.S. courts. He is bound by Missouri slave code becuase he lived in Missouri. -
Attack on Harpers Ferry
In 1859 John Brown murdered proslavery Kansas before to add sectional tension. He wanted to inspire slaves to fight for their freedom. John Brown planned to capture the weapons at the U.S. arsenal at Harpers Ferry. -
Election of 1860
The outcome of the election made it clear that the nation was tired of compromise. Lincoln defeated Douglas in north Breckinridge carried most of the south. Douglas and Bell managed to win only states beywwen the North and the deep south. Since north had nore people than the south Lincoln won the election.