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Compromise of 1850
California enters the Union as a free state however Northerners must capture escaped slaves (Fugitive Slave Law.) This compromise brings more unrest between the North and South. Now Northerners are apart of slavery when many were against it. -
Fugitive Slave Law
Northers must return escaped slaves to their southern owners. This angers the north because they do not want to take part in the pelculiar institution. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Novel written by Harriet Beecher Stowe that showed the nation the evil's of slavery. The second best selling novel in the United States shined light on the moral injustices of slavery. Galvanized sympathy for slaves. -
Kansas Nebraska Act
Written by Stephen Douglas, it gives the people the power to decide whether slavery should be allowed or not through voting. The Act overrides the Missouri Compromise which upsets many northerners. -
Birth of the Republican Party
Whig Party divides when the Nebraska-Arkansas Law is enforced. The abolitionist side of the party breaks off into the Republican Party. This shows how slavery directly affected politicans. -
Brooks vs. Sumner
Andrew Butler's nephew Brooks attacks Sumner with a cane during the time of the Nebraska Arkansas Act. This shows that popular soverneighty results in violence. -
Dred Scott Case
The verdicts of this case are:
1) slaves are not citizens, therefore Dred Scott is not a citizen
2) Congress does not have the power to prohibit slavery in a territory, therefore Emerson (slaveholder moving to Illinois) can take his slave to Illinois a non-slave state -
Harper's Ferry
John Brown a northern abolitionist successfully raids a Virginian arsenel named Harper's Ferry. Eventually he loses his life and is viewed as a matry by slaves and northerners. He believed that violence is the only way to end the division and is unfortunately right. -
Election of 1860
Lincoln, who believes in the union and the abolition of slavery wins the election against Stephen Douglas who believes in popular sovereignty. The South immediately suceded from the North in fear of losing their voice in governement. -
Shots Fired
On April 12, 1861 General Beauregard sent Major Anderson a message saying that he would fire in one hour if Anderson didn't surrender. Anderson didn't surrender and not only did firing begin, but the Civil War began as well.
