am.history timeline

  • The Compromise of 1850 is Passed

    The Compromise of 1850 is Passed

    A series of 5 bills passed to address slavery territory related issues. Benefits both the North and the South.
  • Fugitive Slave Act of 1850

    Fugitive Slave Act of 1850

    A law that requires escaped enslaved people to be returned to their enslavers, even in free states. Part of the Compromise of 1850, benefits the South.
  • Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe is Published

    Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe is Published

    An anti-slavery novel published in 1852 by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Mainly benefits the North.
  • Frederick Douglass' "What to the Slave, Is The Fourth of July"

    Frederick Douglass' "What to the Slave, Is The Fourth of July"

    Speech in 1852, criticizing America's hypocrisy for celebrating freedom while millions were enslaved. Benefits the North.
  • Kansas Nebraska Act

    Kansas Nebraska Act

    Repealed the Missouri Compromise, allowing Kansas and Nebraska to decide whether or not to permit slavery through popular opinion. Benefits the South.
  • Bleeding Kansas

    Bleeding Kansas

    Undeclared civil war in Kansas territory between pro anti-slavery groups from 1854-1861. The South benefits more.
  • Dred Scott vs. Sandford Decision

    Dred Scott vs. Sandford Decision

    US Supreme Court ruling that declares that African Americans were not US citizens and had no right to sue. Benefits the South.
  • Abraham Lincoln Elected President

    Abraham Lincoln Elected President

    Abraham Lincoln is elected to be the 16th president of the US. Followed shortly by the American Civil War. Benefits the North.
  • John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry

    John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry

    Effort to initiate a slave revolt by John Brown. Attempted to take over the US arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Benefits neither the North nor the South, causes a deeper divide in between the two.
  • Secession of South Carolina

    Secession of South Carolina

    Response to Abraham Lincolns election, growing tensions around slavery, tariffs and states rights. Benefits the South.
  • Battle of Fort Sumter

    Battle of Fort Sumter

    Confederate forces fired on the Union, which resulted in the beginning of the Civil War. Benefits the North.
  • Forming of the Confederate States of America

    Forming of the Confederate States of America

    Seven Confederate states seceded from the Union following the election of Abraham Lincoln to form the Confederate States of America. Benefits the South.