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Wilmot Proviso
David WImot around the end of the Mexican-American War proposed the Wilmot Proviso. This legislation's goal was to outlaw slavery in territory that was gained from Mexico. Wilmot gave attempt after attempt to try and get this legislation approved; causing the southern states to talk seriously about secession. -
The Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 allowed the addition of California to the US. The problem lies in if it becomes a slave state or not. The government decided to let popular sovereignty be the final say in it. The compromise also established far stricter fugitive slave laws; this legislation further incensed. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
This book was a particular hit among the northern. It greatly dramatizes the slave experience, while also propping up the abolitionist movement. In the south, it castigated and ferociously attacked, along with its writer, Harriet Stowe. -
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Kansas - Nebraska Act
This act allowed the Kansas and Nebraska territories to decide with popular sovereignty whether or not they became slave states. Both pro and anti-slavery people flocked to these lands to be apart of the decision, and violence erupted all across the states, gaining the title Bleeding Kansas -
Dred Scott Case
Dred Scott was a Virginian slave who tried to sue for his freedom. The Supreme Court ruled that since he was a slave he was property, therefore having no human rights. Because of this the case was thrown out. -
Lincoln Douglas Debates
The Lincoln-Douglas debates were a series of seven debates across Illinois on the most controversial topic of the time, slavery. Douglas won the senate race, but this drew attention to Lincoln and launched him into being nominated for the presidency. -
John Brown Raid
John Brown was an abolitionist that was all for the violent aspect of the conflict. At nighttime in October, they attempted to raid a federal armory and arsenal in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. The goal was to distribute the weapons to slaves and other abolitionists for and armed insurrection. -
Abraham Lincoln's Election
Lincoln was elected by a significant margin, even though he wasn't in many of the southern ballots. His anti-slavery agenda caused a lot of fear for many slave-owning people. -
Secession of the South
The secession of 11 southern states was the proximate cause of the US Civil War. The first attack was on Fort Sumter. -
Attack on Fort Sumter
The first battle of the Civil War was on Fort Sumter in South Carolina, which lasted 36 hours. The Union soldiers there had no choice but to surrender, lest they all be killed.