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The Missouri Compromise
There was increased tension as Missouri/Maine would become free or slave states. Congress decided that Missouri would be a slave state and Maine would be a free state. This angered people because people felt as if Congress was acting unconstitutionally and did not have the power to dictate whether states could have slaves or not. This is a significant compromise that would contribute to the Civil War because the question was still ignored whether the states would be all slave state. -
Period: to
1820-1860
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Compromise of 1850
People were further agitated that the North and the South could not agree to anything. Henry Clay created this compromise to satisfy both parties: popular sovereignty would help decide if New Mexico and Utah would be slave states, stricter laws for the fugitive slave act, and more. This was significant because although it was a compromise that satisfied both the North and the South; both sides were still displeased. For example,the North was angered that they would be forced to to turn in slaves -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, this book exposed the hypocrisies and harsh reality of slavery. Many people across the United States realized how terrible slavery was. Therefore, protests against the Fugitive Slave Act became stronger. This contributed to the Civil War because this changed people’s perspectives or strengthened their arguments that we should eradicate slavery. -
Underground Railroad
White Abolitionists and free African Americans helped slaves escape to the North for their freedom. It was comprised of a network of people who would hide fugitives in their homes. Harriet Tubman, a Free African American, helped 300 slaves to their freedom. This contributed to the Civil War because Southerners were angry that slaves could do this, as slaves were considered their property. Thus, this led to the Compromise of 1850 and stricter laws as seen in the Fugitive Slave Act. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Stephen Douglas created this provision to divide the United States, where Nebraska would be considered the North and Kansas would be considered the South. Thus, these territories would have popular sovereignty. Additionally, the Missouri Compromise would be repealed because of this act. This contributed to the Civil War because the question of whether slavery would remain in these territories was pushed back, thus causing immense controversy. -
Pottawatomie Massacre
An abolitionist named John Brown started this massacre because he was angered by the Sack of Lawrence. He went to the Pottawatomie area where he cut off people’s hands. This became a violent area as 200 people were killed here. This was important to the Civil War because it shows the scope of the violence and tension people had. Not only were the Southerners violent, but the Northern Abolitionists were irritated by the Fugitive Slave Act. -
James Buchanan is Elected; Inaugural Address
In 1856, James Buchanan, a Democrat, won the election and became President. He was an important candidate because he had friends from both the North and the South, so he was considered to be satisfactory for both parties. -
Dred Scott v. Sandford
This was a crucial Supreme Court case where a slave named Dred Scott sued to gain his freedom. The judge, Roger B. Taney, believed that slaves were property, not citizens. Therefore, Dred Scott could not gain his freedom. This angered Northerners because this court case denied the Missouri Compromise, which led to the acceptance of slavery. -
Harpers Ferry Attack
Abolitionist John Brown led another riot of both black and white men into Harpers Ferry, Virginia. His purpose was to obtain the weapons in the area and create a revolt. This attack failed. This is significant because Southerners became increasingly hostile of antislavery perspectives. The hatred was strengthened. -
Election of 1860
This was a controversial election because each of the three candidates had such split views, especially on slavery. Lincoln, a Republican, won. However, he did not get any electoral votes from the South. Therefore, this shows their disapproval of him as he openly denounced slavery. This is important because the South felt as if their wishes were not respected, leading to the secession shortly after in a month. -
South Carolina Secession
Shortly after the Election of 1860, secession began. South Carolina was the first state to leave; they argued that their property rights were not being respected. Soon after, many of the Deep South states left the Union. Together, they formed the Confederacy. This is obviously important for the Civil War because this would be one of the two major sides that would fight in the war.
