what caused the civil war

  • Period: to

    Manifest Destiny

    Manifest Destiny was the belief that the united states was destined by god to expand and spread democracy and capitalism across North America. It made the existing tensions worse and helped the growing divide between the north and south.
  • Missouri Compromise

    Missouri Compromise
    The Missouri Compromise was meant to preserve the unity but actually exposed the deep seated divisions within the nation. By only temporarily addressing slavery by compromise it only delayed the inevitable confrontation.
  • Texas annexation

    Texas annexation
    The Texas Annexation was a heavy step to the conflict that lead to the civil war. It strengthened slavery and contributed the the breakdown of the union.
  • Period: to

    Mexican-American War

    the Mexican American war contributed to the tensions with slavery and state rights. the outcome of the war set the steps for sectional conflict.
  • Compromise of 1850

    Compromise of 1850
    The compromise of 1850 was at first a solution but ultimately worsened the tensions it was trying to fix. it deepened social divisions and fueled political instability.
  • Fugitive Slave Act

    The fugitive slave act, rather than easing sectional tension act the opposite. it deepened the moral divide over slavery and fueled northern resistance.
  • Kansas-Nebraska Act

    the Kansas Nebraska act reignited the slavery debate and led to political violence. It also led to the rise of the republican party.
  • Election of 1860

    the election of 1860 was a culmination of decades of escalating tensions over slavery. it brought out the deep divisions within our nation and got rid of the idea of unity.
  • Period: to

    Underground Railroad

    the underground railroad had profound political implications. it served as a powerful symbol of resistance against slavery and contributed to the abolitionist movement.
  • Southern Secession

    southern secession was a declaration of war. it shattered peace and forced the nation to confront its deepest divisions.