1845 to 1860 By lil shorty Period: Jan 1, 1845 to Dec 31, 1860 !845 to 1860 Apr 1, 1846 The start of the Mexican War Aug 8, 1846 The Wilmot Proviso Jun 1, 1848 The end of Mexican War Sep 1, 1850 The Compromise of 1850 Mar 20, 1852 Uncle Tom's Cabin comes out as a book. May 30, 1854 Congress passes the Kansas-Nebraska Act Jul 6, 1854 Republican Party officially organizes. July 6, 1854 May 21, 1856 Proslavery attack on Lawrence Kansas. May 22, 1856 The caning of Charles Sumner May 25, 1856 Pottawatomie Creek Massacres Mar 6, 1857 Dred Scott decision Oct 15, 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debates Oct 16, 1859 John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry Dec 18, 1860 The Election of 1860-Lincoln wins! Dec 20, 1860 South Carolina secedes