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Compromise of 1850
A compromise that amended the Fugitive slave act, and abolished slave trade in Washington D.C. The compromise was introduced by Senator Henry Clay on January 29,1850. Also, as a part of this act California entered the union as a free state, and Utah had a territorial government created. Finally, a boundary dispute between Texas and Mexico was settled. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin published
An Anti-Slavery novel written by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Published in 1852. According to Will Kaufman this novel "Helped lay the groundwork for the Civil War". The novel sold nearly 300,000 copies in almost 3 months of release, and was a gruesome book. n 1862 President Lincoln met with Stowe and reportedly he said, "So this is the little lady who started the big war". -
Republican Party formed
One of the two political parties today was formed in 1854. It was formed by ex- Whigs, and ex-free soldiers. They opposed slavery, also opposed kansas-nebraska acts. -
James Buchanan President
James Buchanan won the 1856 election, and he represented the democrats. He served from 1857-1861. -
Sacking of Lawrence Kansas
Pro-slavery activists, led by Sheriff Samuel J. Jones, attacked and ransacked the town of Lawrence, Kansas, which had been founded by anti-slavery settlers from Massachusetts. The anti-slave settlers were hoping to make Kansas as a "free state". As a result Kansas enters the country as a free state. -
Pottawatomie Massacre
The Pottawatomie massacre was an event for retribution for the sacking of Lawrence. It was lead by John Brown and a band of other abolitionists who were infuriated with what had happened the previous night. -
Dred Scott v. Sanford
A very controversial case leading up to the civil war. Dred Scott sued the country for african american rights. He lost, and as a result the court said every African American slaves or free will never get the same rights as white men. -
Crime Against Kansas
Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner gives a speech called "Crime Against Kansas". The speech was delivered to condem the Southern expansion of slavery and the force used in compelling Kansas to be a slave state. -
Abraham Lincoln becomes president
Abraham Lincoln becomes the 16th president of the United States representing the republicans. He was the first Republican president ever. He served from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. He was the President during the Civil War. -
John Brown hanging
John Brown was an abolitionist who advocated for armed insurrection as the only way to overthrow the institution of slavery in the United States. He was hanged on December 2,1859
