Top Ten Events Which Led to the Civil War

First Slaves Bought to Jamestown

Aug 20, 1619

The first event that led to the Civil War was caused when the first slaves (indentured servants), were accidentally brought to Jamestown. If the ship hadn't been blown off track, the Civil War would most likely have never started.

Missouri Compromise

Mar 3, 1820

This compromise stated establised the 36-30, creating a dividing line between the free and slave areas. It placed limits on where there could be slavery, causing the abolitionists to become encouraged.

Manifest Destiny

Jul 2, 1845

Americans believed that spreading throughout the continent was their God-given destiny. As America acquired more territory, the issue of slavery and where it would be permitted began to divide the country.

Wilmont Proviso

Aug 8, 1846

This was made during the Mexican-American War. It proposed that if America were to win, they wouldn't take the Mexican people living on the land and turn them into slaves. Due to the northerners supporting the Wilmont Proviso, and the southerners being strictly against it, there was even more disagreement between both sides.

Fugitive Slave Act

Sep 18, 1850

This was an act that was part of the Compromise of 1850, which required all runaway slaves to be captured and returned. This strict enforcement drew attention to the inhumanity of slavery and increased tension between the north and south.

Uncle Tom's Cabin

Mar 20, 1852

This novel showed northerners the cruelty of slavery, which caused the abolitionist movement to increase and make their desire to end slavery grow with a greater passion.

Dred Scott Decision

Mar 16, 1857

Dred Scott losing his case in this controversial trial due him still being considered property of his 'owner' furthered the cause of abolitionists.

John Brown's Raid

Oct 16, 1859

John Brown raided the Harpers Ferry Arsenal with his sons and followers to give weapons to slaves. This caused a slave uprising as they went around killing slave owners.

Abraham Lincoln Elected President

Mar 4, 1861

As a result of Lincoln's election, seven states seceded from the Union. One of those states was South Carolina, which had previously threatened to secede if Lincoln were to become president. This helped the South to become more powerful, and make sure slavery wouldn't extend to other states.

Attack On Fort Sumnter

Apr 11, 1861

This was the straw that broke the camel's back. South Carolina launched an attack on Fort Sumnter, resulting in victory. This caused the north to attack back, resulting in a full blown war between the north and the south.