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James Buchanan Takes Office
The only bachelor president, James Buchanan takes much criticism for “allowing” the Civil War to begin. He marks the last of the Presidents of the 1850’s whose lack of leadership provided the circumstance for secession. -
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James Buchanan Presidency
The only bachelor president, James Buchanan takes much criticism for “allowing” the Civil War to begin. He marks the last of the Presidents of the 1850’s whose lack of leadership provided the circumstance for secession. -
Dred Scott Decision (VUS.7a)
United States Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, declared that all blacks -- slaves as well as free - were not and could never become citizens of the United States. The court also declared the 1820 Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, thus permitting slavery in all of the country's territories. This ruling outraged many northerners and led closer to war! Read MORE -
The Lincoln – Douglas Debates Begin (VUS.6e)
Competing for a US Senate seat from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas began a series of 7 public debates. The primary issue was the extension of slavery, as Douglas had been the architect of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Lincoln LOST this election, but gained national popularity as a Republican… Read MORE -
Election of Lincoln (VUS.7a)
The Democrat vote was split between Northern Democrat Stephen Douglas, and Southern Democrat John C. Breckinridge, the young Republican Party elected its first President in Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln pledged that he was not in favor of abolition, and would allow slavery to continue where it already existed. This promise was not enough to avoid secession! Read MORE -
South Carolina Secedes (VUS.7a)
Despite Lincoln’s promise, South Carolina did not believe it could economically survive a Lincoln presidency. Other states from the “Deep South” followed (those states where Cotton was “King”). These states declared independence, and formed the Confederate States of America. Read MORE -
The birth of the Confederate States of America (VUS.7a)
Jefferson Davis was selected to be the President, and their constitution resembled the old Articles of Confederation, with many powers reserved to the states (indicating the strong belief in States’ Rights). South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas were the original members. War seemed inevitable! Read MORE
