-
The Missouri Compromise
The Northern and Southern politicians have heated debates over the growth of slavery. Henry Clay, the Great Compromiser, settles the debate. The Missouri Compromise were a series of laws that helped maintain the balance between slave states and free states. -
The Nullification Crisis
The southern states felt that the tariffs were unfair and only supported the north. Vice President John C. Calhoun said any state could nullify a federal law it considers unconstitutional. The federal government denied South Carolina's argument. South Carolina threatened to secede. Henry Clay came up with a compromise and lowered the tariff. -
Compromise of 1850
After the Mexican-American War, there were many debates on what would be admitted as free or slave state. California would be free, and Congress would not pass any laws banning slavery in the rest of the new territories. -
Fugitive Slave Law (Act)
Passed by Congress in 1850. It permitted the capture of African Americans who had fled to the north to escape bondage. These laws heightened tension, and set the stage for John Brown's Raid and the American Civil War. -
The Kansas Nebraska Act and Bleeding Kansas
5000 people from proslavery. Missouri came and voted for proalsvery representatives in Kansas illegally. Anti-slavery opponents started their own government.The anti-slavery proslavery, was attacked by proslavery forced. -
Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott was a slave who sued for his freedom. He said he should have been free since he lived in free territory. The Supreme Court ruled that he was not free based on his residence, African Americans were not considered citizens when the Constitution was drafted, and that property could not be taken from a person without due process of law. -
Attack on Harpers Ferry
John Brown wanted to inspire slaves to rebel and fight for their freedom. He was planning to capture the U.S. Arsenal in Virginia to arm the slaves. He and his men were captured. When he was put to death he was saluted, and tensions rose. -
Election of 1860
Abraham Lincoln wins the election. Southern state begin to secede from the Union shortly after Lincoln is elected.
