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Wilmot Proviso Introduced
Wilmot Proviso was introduced in Congress to ban slavery in territories acquired from Mexico. Although it was not passed, it ignited fierce debates between the North and South over the expansion of slavery, deepening the divide between the two regions. (McPherson, 52) -
Treaty of Guadalupe
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War and led to the U.S. acquisition of vast territories, including California, Arizona, and New Mexico. This new land raised urgent questions about whether slavery would be allowed to expand into these regions, making sectional tensions worse. (Varon, 118) -
Fugitive Slave Act Passed
The Fugitive Slave Act, part of the Compromise of 1850, mandated that runaway slaves be returned to their owners, even if they had escaped to free states. This law enraged Northern abolitionists and led to increased activism in the fight against slavery, while Southern slaveholders saw it as essential to maintaining the institution. (McPherson, 70) -
Publication of "Uncle Tom's Cabin"
Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin played a significant role in shaping public opinion about slavery. The book, which depicted the harsh realities of slavery, inflamed Northern sentiment against it and rallied abolitionists, while the South saw it as an attack on their way of life. (Varon, 156) -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed settlers in the Kansas and Nebraska territories to decide on slavery through popular sovereignty, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise. This law led to violent clashes in Kansas and significantly contributed to the nation’s polarization over the issue of slavery. (McPherson, 92) -
The Topeka Constitution
In Kansas, anti-slavery settlers created the Topeka Constitution in defiance of a pro-slavery legislature. While it was not directly related to slavery in the broader context, the political and violent disputes in Kansas highlighted the difficulties of incorporating new territories into the Union and raised questions about governance and representation. (Varon, 210) -
Caning of Charles Sumner
Senator Charles Sumner was physically attacked on the Senate floor by Representative Preston Brooks after Sumner’s speech condemning the South. This violent act exemplified the deepening divisions in American politics, where violence became a tool in defending political beliefs, especially regarding sectionalism. (McPherson, 124) -
Dred Scott Decision
The Supreme Court's decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford ruled that African Americans were not citizens and that Congress had no power to regulate slavery in the territories. This ruling not only inflamed the slavery debate but also called into question the balance of power between federal and state governments, and the future of federalism in the United States. (Varon, 265) -
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas debated the future of slavery in the United States during the Illinois Senate race. While slavery was a key issue, the debates also focused on broader political questions of federalism, the role of the states, and the power of popular sovereignty, showcasing the complexity of national politics at the time. (McPherson, 147) -
Raid on Harpers Ferry
John Brown’s raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry was an attempt to incite a slave rebellion. While directly related to slavery, the raid also raised important questions about the limits of violent resistance and the federal government’s role in preserving order. It underscored the tensions between states’ rights and the federal government’s authority. (Varon, 340)