-
Compromise of 1820
This compromise decided the issue of slavery in the territories gained from the Louisianna purchase. States north of the 36 30 parallel would be free states while states south of the line, along with Missouri itself, would be slave states. This compromise established a temporary balance between slave states and free ones. However, it would also set the stage for a greater conflict later after the Mexican Cession, which would throw the compromises effectiveness into question. -
Nullification Crisis
An issue that arose after the Tarrif of 1828 was passed. The crisis occured when South Carolina created an Ordinance of Nullification, stating they had the right as a state to disregard federal law. South Carolina even considered seceeding from the Union. This set a dangerous precedent for such ideas. -
Period: to
Mexican-American War
A war between Mexico and America that was started over a millitary movement in disputed territory, but was ultimately fought because of Americas annexation of Texas and further desires to acquire further Mexican territories. Resulted in the Mexican Cession, the single largest gain of territory the United States had ever achieved. However, this gain of territory would once again make slavery an issue by throwing the Compromise of 1820 into dispute. -
Compromise of 1850
Attempted to patch up the damage to stability caused by the Mexican Cession. It granted concessions to the South, such as creating a new, stricter Fugitive Slave Code in return for California becoming a free state and allowing the issue of slavery in the rest of the territories to be decided by popular sovereignty. This compromise proved to be even more transitroy than the previous one, once again setting the stage for a larger conflict. This time, it would be Bleeding Kansas. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
This book was written by the abolitionist supporter Harriet Beecher Stowe. It detailed a fictional yet highly accurate account of a slaves life on a plantation. This book quickly became extremely popular. It simultaneously increased abolitionist feelings in the North and enraged the South. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act and Bleeding Kansas
The Kansas-Nebraska Act divided Kansas Territory into the States of Kansas and Nebraska and stated that the issue of slavery in both states would be determined by popular sovereignty. This, for all intents and purposes, repealed the Compromise of 1820. It also lead to BleedingKansas, a prolonged, bloody conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery supporters in the territories, inflaming passions in both the North and South. -
Creation of Republican Party
Formed from the ashes of the Whigs and Free-Soilers, the Republican party originated in the West and spread like wildfire. The republican party ran on platforms of increased tarrifs, industrialization and the prevention of slavery in new territories. This party was particularly significant in that it was the first completely sectional party, almost exclusively existing in the North. This drove a further wedge between Northerners and Southerners. -
Dred Scott Case
A landmark Supreme Court case Between Dred Scott and Sanford. Dred Scott, a slave, was attempting to sue for his freedom. The Supreme Court ruled that Dred Scott was not a citizen and had no right to sue, and further stated that all slaves should be considered property for legal purposes. This had the effect of allowing slaves to be transported anywhere in the United States, as they were now protected by the Bill of Rights. This further enraged the North. -
Lincoln is Elected
The republican nominee, Abraham Lincoln, wins the presidential election. His victory is secured by a split in the Democratic party between Northern Democrats and Southern Democrats. Unfortunately, Sothern states felt threatened by his election, fearing he would attack their right to own slaves. This culminated in South Carolina secceding, which set off a chain reaction leading to the formation of the Confederate States of America. -
The Civil War Begins
After recieving word that supplies were on the way to Fort Sumter, a Union fort in Southern territory, Confederate forces attacked the fort. The fort quickly surrendered after a bloodless siege. The Civil War, the bloodiest war in all of American history, had begun.