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David Wilmot introduces Proviso banning slavery in the Mexican cession
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The Free Soil party began with the nomination of Martin Van Buren.
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Zachary Taylor, a Whig, was elected president, he defeated Lewis Cass, a Democrat, and Martin Van Buren, Free-Soil
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California seeks admission o the Union as a free state.
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Congress debates sectional issues and enacts Compromise 1850
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Harriet Beecher Stowe publishes Uncle Tom's Cabin
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Franklin Pierce, a Democrat, elected president by a large majority over Winfield Scott, a Whig.
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Congress passes Kansas-Nebraska Act, repealing the Missouri Compromise.
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the republican party was founded from the members of the Free-Soil party.
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Know Nothing party achieves stunning successes in state politics
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Free state and slave state forces struggle for control of Kansas Territory
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Preston Brooks assaults Charles Sumner on Senate floor
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James Buchanan wins presidency despite strong challenge in the north from John C. Fremont
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Supreme Court decides Dred Scott case and legalizes slavery in all territories.
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Congress refuses to admit Kansas to Union under the proslavery Lecompton constitution
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Lincoln and Douglas debate slavery issue in Illinois
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John Brown raids Harpers Ferry, is captured and executed
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Lincoln wins the presidency over Douglas, Breckinridge, and Bell
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Republicans nominate Abraham Lincoln for presidency.
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Democratic party splits into northern and southern factions with separate candidates and platforms
