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The Mexican-American War
This war was a conflict fought between April 1846 to February 1848. The United States and Mexico fought over territorial disputes. Debates over the spread of slavery grew more heated when the United States won the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848), which resulted in the takeover of huge new areas. Overall, there was a number of issues that led as the cause of war. Including the conflict over the Texas-Mexico border and the United States' takeover of Texas in 1845. (History.com) -
The Wilmot Proviso
The Wilmot Proviso was an amendment to a war appropriations bill in 1846 that proposed to prohibit slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico. It prohibited slavery and involuntary servitude in any territory acquired from Mexico. Though it failed to pass, the proviso symbolized the growing sectional tensions. It alarmed Southerners, who feared Northern dominance, and galvanized anti-slavery forces in the North. (Varon) -
The Compromise of 1850
As discussed in class, this was a series of five laws passed in September of 1850 which attempted to resolve the issue of slavery in new territories acquired after the Mexican-American War. Henry Clay negotiated this set of laws, which temporarily reduced tensions by allowing popular sovereignty in the territories of Utah and New Mexico, strengthening the Fugitive Slave Act, and admitting California as a free state. There was a clear divide between the North and South views here. -
The Crisis of 1850
As a result of the great compromise, The Civil War was sparked by the crisis, which highlighted the country's profound disagreements over slavery. I believe the crisis should be included as it includes many key components. The Crisis is its own main idea separate from the great compromise which should be discussed. Sectional tensions in the country were revealed and made worse.Although the Compromise prevented secession for a while, neither north or south were satisfied.(Varon, 199) -
Publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin
As discussed in class, we learned that Harriet Beecher Stowe assisted slaves and took note of slave stories. She wrote a novel exposing the brutality of slavery to a wide audience, galvanizing Northern abolitionist sentiment and provoking Southern outrage. This was important factor leading to civil war since it influenced the national discussion on emancipation and slavery. -
The Formation of The Republican Party
In reaction to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Republican Party was founded, bringing together different anti-slavery groups and growing to become a powerful political force in the North. In Battle Cry of Freedom by James McPherson, key events such as the Kansas-Nebraska Act, Bleeding Kansas, and the political realignments led to the Republican Party's formation. Additionally covered were the party's ideological roots when it first formed in response to the spread of slavery. (McPherson, 115-150) -
Caning of Charles Sumner
The caning of Charles Sumner was a significant event in the lead-up to the Civil War as it brought to light the stark differences over slavery in the US and further polarized the North and South by illustrating the violent extremities to which the argument could degenerate. Representative, Preston Brooks tells Sumner him he thought his speech was full of lies and started to beat him with his cane until it snapped into two. Northerners proclaimed brooks as a criminal while southerns praised him. -
The Dred Scott Decision
As discussed in class, Scott was a slave who was owned by an army doctor, always traveling. He believed once he crossed state lines he would be free. This led the decision to be taken to court. The Supreme Court ruled that African Americans were not citizens and that Congress had no authority to ban slavery in the territories. This decision enraged Northerners and emboldened Southern pro-slavery advocates. (McPherson) -
John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry
As discussed in class, John Brown was an abolitionist with 13 children who was wanted by the federal government due to his acts of preying on those who were pro slavery during the night. Taking place in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, John Brown led an unsuccessful attempt to spark a slave uprising by taking control of a federal armory. He became a villain in the South and a martyr in the North after his execution. (McPherson) -
Election of 1860
After a century of violence and disagreements, the most important election yet would take place. Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 1860 and 1864, just before and during the civil war. This election was important as it shaped the future of the United States. This election was a four way race, Lincoln made history as the first Republican president, on an anti-slavery platform, convinced many Southern states that their interests were no longer represented in the Union, leading to secession.