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The Declaration of Independence declares that "all men are created equal." It does not deal with slavery explicitly but contains a clause attacking the king for emancipating slaves and arming them to fight against the colonists.
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The Continental Congress enacts the Northwest Ordinance, prohibiting slavery in the territories north of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River.
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The 3/5 Compromise was added to the Constitution to determine respresentation in the House of Representatives, slaves equaled 3/5 of a person. This shows sectionalism over slavery and the concern of which side has power in the government.
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New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania forbid their citizens from participating in the slave trade.
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Congress passes the Fugitive Slave Law. The statute enforces a measure in the Constitution that denies a jury trial to an alleged fugitive slave and authorizes any federal or state judge to decide that individual's fate. Many northern leaders oppose the law, which they interpret as a direct assault on personal liberty.
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Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin, which allows for the cultivation of short- staple cotton and revolutionizes the industry, dramatically increasing its profitability and the land areas that can be utilized for growing the crop. This dictates the westward spread of cotton growing and its backbone: slave labor.
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The United States purchases Louisiana from France for $15 million. The large acquisition will set the stage for future debates over slavery in the territories.
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The House and Senate are deadlocked over the question of whether to admit Missouri as a slave state. There is some fear of civil war. As a compromise, Congress adopts an amendment that there shall be no restriction on slavery in Missouri, but the institution will be prohibited from Louisiana Territory north of 36º30' latitude. Protests continue as critics seek to refuse Missouri's admission unless the state passes legislation to provide for gradual emancipation.
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The U.S. Supreme Court rules (7 to 2) in Dred Scott v. Sandford that slavery is protected by the Constitution, and that a ban on slavery in the territories is unconstitutional. Chief Justice Roger B. Taney writes the majority opinion; every Justice who sides with Taney (who is from Maryland) is a southerner.
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In a speech delivered in New York, Republican Abraham Lincoln states that the federal government has the power to halt the spread of slavery.
