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Compromise of 1850
Texas received $10 million to scale back its land claims in the West. Washington, D.C., was required to end the slave trade in the city, but slavery was still legal and California was admitted as a free state. A Stricter Fugitive Slave Act was passed -
Fugitive Slave Act 1850
Anyone helping a runaway slave could go to jail. The North felt this was a way of expanding the power and reach of slavery. Congress had made it illegal to even assist a fugitive slave -
Uncle Tom's Cabin 1852
Many joined the abolitionist movement after learning the harsh realities of life as a slave. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s book sells 300,000 copies in the first year and over 2 million copies within five years. -
Kansas Nebraska Act 1854
The Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed each territory to decide the issue of slavery on the basis of popular sovereignty. -
Dred Scott Decision 1857
Supreme Court ruled that Dred Scott was property and not a citizen and had no right to sue. -
Harper’s Ferry 1859
Brown leads a group of men to attack the weapons arsenal at Harpers Ferry. Goal is to gain control of weapons and lead a slave revolt -
Lincoln’s Election 1860
On the basis of states’ rights, a too powerful federal government and the issue of slavery, the south started to secede. Lincoln’s election pushed the nation to the brink of war. -
Attack on Ft. Sumter 1861
Fort nearly out of food/ ammunition and badly outnumbered. Surrendered the fort to the Southern Army.