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Invention of cotton gin
The invention of the cotton gin further increased the dependence the southern economy had on agriculture and slave labor. -
tariff of 1816
This tariff was passed with the intent of protecting american manufacturing from foreign competition by increasing price on over sea goods. This tariff caused anger among the southern states because they had to pay higher prices for materials without any benefit to their economy. They openly opposed the tariff but the North reacted swiftly and punished them for it. This apparent disregard of southern opinion in the government caused much resentment in the south. -
the Missouri Compromise
This compromise was aimed at maintaining the representative power between slave and free states. This agreement was beneficial to both sides but it unintentionally created a division between Northern and Southern beliefs. -
Fugitive Slave Act
The fugitive slave act was a key part in the Compromise of 1850 but the North was highly disappointed with this act since it allowed slave owners to drag fugitive slaves back south and even bring back free blacks claiming they were slaves. the North was outraged that these accused slaves could not even make a plea to a court since they were considered property. -
Dred Scott decision
This pivotal court case established that slaves were merely property with no rights and also gave grounds to bring slavery to western territories. This decision outraged Northerners because it further allowed slavery to spread and they loudly protested against it. -
presidential election of 1860
the victory of Lincoln was the last straw for southern states and they felt their way of life was essentially over. they saw no other option but to declare independence from the united states.
