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Missouri Compromise
The Northern and Southern politicans had angry debates over the growth of slavery. The Great Compromiser, Henry Clay eventually settled the debate. The Missouri Compromise helped preserve the balwnce between the slave states and the free states. -
The Nullification Crisis
The Southern states felt that the tariffs only supported the North, they thought that it was unfair. Vice President John C. Calhoun said that any state could nullify a federal law. South Carolina threatened to secede when the federal government denied their arguement. Henry Clay came up with a compromise and lowered the tariff. -
Compromise of 1850
The congress had many debates on the new territories won from Mexico, to be admitted as a slave state or a free state. Henry Clay helped make the compromise, where California would be admitted as a free state and congress wouldn't pass laws that banned slavery from the other territories. -
Fugitive Slave Act
Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850. It permitted the capture of the African-Americans who had fled to the North. The laws set high tension and they prepared for John Brown's raid along with the American Civil War. -
Bleeding Kansas
5000 people from nearby proslavery Mossouri came to vote for proslavery representatives in Kansas illegally. The anti-slavery opponents started their own government but were later attacked by proslavery forces. For revenge, John Brown murdered several of his proslavery neighbors. -
Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott sued the Supreme Court for his own freedom. He argued because he lived in a free territory. The court ruled and declared that Scott was not free based on his residence in either Illinois or Wisconsin, African Americans were not considered citizens when the constitution was drafted in 1778, Dred scott was the property of his owner, and it couldn't be taken from someone without a law. -
Attack on Harper's Ferry
John Brown wanted the inspire slaves to fight for their freedom. He was later captured and abolitionists saluted him while he was put to death. The Slavery issue had raised tension in America. -
The Election of 1860
After Abraham Lincoln wins the election, Southern states start to secede the Union.
