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The Wilmot Proviso
The Wilmot Proviso was a legislation introduced by David Wilmot, near the ending of the Mexican-American War. This legislation would outlaw slavery in the territory the US aquired from the war, which included a large expanse of land. Wilmot tirelessly advocated for this legislation, and that attention prompted the first serious conversations of secession for the south; who would be the most affected by this. -
The Compromise of 1850
The Comprimse of 1850 was an accord that declared the statehood of Calirfornia. It didn’t regulate slavery in the remaining Mexian territories, but instead strengthened the Fugitive Slave Act. This agreement fostered hostile relations between the North and the South, and increased the polarization among centrist citizens. -
Uncle Toms Cabin
Uncle Tom’s Cabin was the second-best-selling book in America in the 19th century, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s fictional exploration of slave life was a cultural sensation. This put the attention of the white population to the horrors of slavery, who then pushed for the abolishment of the institute of slavery. -
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Kansas- Nebraska Act
Under popular sovereignty, it's up the residents of the territories who decide by popular referendum if the state is to be a free or enslaved. Violence was then sparked by the pro-slavery and anti-slavery advocates, as they poured into Kansas, trying to increase votes. It was nicknamed Bleeding Kansas, due to vioolence that occured and the bloodshed that was the outcome. -
Dred Scott Ruling
Dred Scott was a Virginia slave who tried to sue for his freedom in court. This was where the Supreme Court then decreed that as a slave Scott was a piece of property and had no recognitions to a human or rights. The justices found that Dred Scott was a piece of property meant to be owned by masters, and he had no right to freedom. -
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Lincoln–Douglas debates
In the campaign that followed Lincoln and Douglas engaged in seven public debates across the state of Illinois where they debated the most controversial issue of the antebellum era, slavery. Douglas had won the senete race, but this drew attenetion onto Lincoln. With the eyes of the nation on him, it propelled his nomination for presidency. -
John Browns Raid
Abolitionist John Brown supported violent action against the South to end slavery and played a major role in starting the Civil War. In October 1859, he and 19 supporters, armed with “Beecher’s Bibles,” led a raid on the federal armory and arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in an effort to capture and confiscate the arms located there, distribute them among local slaves and begin armed insurrection. -
Abraham Lincoln’s election
Abraham Lincoln was elected by a considerable margin in 1860 despite not being included on many Southern ballots. His anti-slavery agenda scared many southerners, which caused their secession. -
Secession of the South
The secession of 11 southern states, who denounced the north, kickstarted the Civil War. This war between states was officially started when the an independant southern state attacked Fort Sumter. -
Attack on Fort Sumter
This first attack made by the South Carolina militia lasted 34 hours as they bombed the stronghold. Th South Carolina milita was the sorounded by Union forces, and forced to surrender.
