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Events leading up to the American Civil War
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Wilmot's Proviso
Wilmot's Proviso, introduced by Democratic Representative David Wilmot, was an important proposal that was made to prohibit the extension of slavery in certain areas. If passed, this law would have banned expansion of slavery in territories gained by the Mexican-American War. Although never passed, this Proviso contributed greatly to the rising tensions of slavery. It was one of the earlier contributors that fueled the uprising debate of slavery. -
Mexican Cession
This treaty ended the ongoing Mexican-American War in 1848. Mexico ceded 55 percent of its territory including present day California, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada and parts of other states. This was significant because the treaty added 525,000 square miles to the United States territory. This expansion enhanced tensions of slavery because it led to the question of whether they would be free or slave states. -
Fugitive Slave Act
This Act consisted of federal laws that allowed for the capture and return of runaway enslaved people in the United States. The law existed for years however in 1850 is when pressure increased. Under this law fugitives could not testify on their own behalf, or even permitted a trial by jury. According to Varon, "the law increased penalties against anyone who dared to undertake extralegal action on behalf of a fugitive slave, threatening imprisonment as a penalty for such defiance" (Varon, 235). -
The Compromise of 1850
In attempt to avoid crisis, Senator Henry Clay proposed California to be a free state, while strengthening the Fugitive Slave law in the south. The Compromise of 1850 consisted of five separate bills passed by the U.S. Congress which defused the political confrontation between free states and slave states. California was admitted as a free state, New Mexico and Utah were separated without decision of slavery, strengthening fugitive laws, abolition of slavery in DC, and new territory was gained. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act/Bleeding Kansas
A bill was passed mandating popular sovereignty. This allowed settlers of territory to decide if slavery would be allowed within the state's boarder. This lead to an intensification if the debate of slavery, resulting in a violent uprising,"Bleeding Kansas". Proslavery/ antislavery activists flooded the territory to try and sway the vote."The South declared, "cannot tolerate free speech anywhere, ... as they are now trying to stifle it in Kansas by massacred, rapine, and murder" (McPherson 150). -
Pottawatomie Massacre
John Brown, his sons, and associates came together to retaliate against a viscous attack on an anti-slavery town.
Brown, a radical abolitionist, was enraged by the attack and looting of an innocent town by proslavery believers, three nights prior. Brown and his men murdered five proslavery men at three different cabins at Pottawatomie Creek. This event was the beginning to the "Bleeding Kansas" period. It created a message of terror and intimidation, and brought real violence into this debate. -
Lecompton Constitution Rejected
The Lecompton Constitution was written in favor of slave-owners advocating Kansas' position in slavery. It consisted of clauses protecting slaveholding and a bill of rights excluded free blacks. This idea of a constitution contributed to the tension building up to the Civil War. The constitution was rejected and a compromise was attempted. They called for a resubmission of the constitution. However, Kansas rejected it and was eventually admitted to the Union as a free state in 1861. -
Lincoln's House Divided Speech
Abraham Lincoln gave this speech at the Illinois State Capital after accepting the republican nomination for Illinois' senator. Lincoln's central idea was "a house divided against itself cannot stand". Lincoln made it clear that our country is on a weak foundation when we are not united among one another. His dedication to equality was obvious and contributed to the rise in conversation of banning slavery. He was warning the US that slavery will split up the country if not abolished. -
The Raid of Harpers Ferry
Abolitionist John Brown led 21 men down the road to Harpers Ferry, modern day Western Virginia, to raid against a federal army. He did this in an attempt to start an armed revolt of enslaved people and destroy the institution of slavery. His plan was busted by soldiers, before they were able to act on it. Ten of Brown's men were killed, and he was put on trial for murder. Although this was unsuccessful, it raised the stakes for the upcoming election and heightened the tension. -
Election of 1860
The Election was held on November 6th, 1860. Republican Abraham Lincoln won over Democrat John C. Breckinridge and Constitutional Union candidate John Bell. This was one of the most pivotal presidential elections. Slavery was the main issue at this time as well as states' rights. Lincoln's ability to public speak and his political experience helped him greatly through this election. His want for unification for the Republican Party appealed to candidates and he won through the electoral college.