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Mum Bett Case
A slave sued for and won her freedom in Massachusetts. Inspired the early abolition movement and challenged the legality of slavery. -
3/5 Compromise
A rule that counted 3 out of every 5 slaves toward a state’s population. Deepened tensions, as Northern states opposed giving the South more power through slave populations. -
Northwest Ordinance
Banned slavery in new territories north of the Ohio River. Created a clear divide between free and slave states, upsetting the South. -
Creation of the Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney’s invention sped up cotton production. Increased the demand for slave labor in the South, boosting slavery. -
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Second Great Awakening
a religious revival movement that made religious beliefs and morals more mainstream in the US. It made southerner’s believe that it was God’s will for slavery to continue, and thus reinforce their belief that slavery was morally correct. -
Louisiana Purchase
a land deal between the US and France where the US bought the Louisiana territory for $15 million It added more land where slavery could be expanded, and thus the Northerners would try to make an anti-slave sentiment while the south tried to bring slaves there. -
Missouri Compromise
Addressed slavery in the Louisiana territory by establishing a line at 36 latitude where above, slavery was illegal. It also added Maine to the free states to balance out Missouri. It was the cause of Bleeding Kansas, and the popular sovereighnty laws that would cause a lot of conflict and corruption between the North and South. -
Nat Turner’s Rebellion
Nat Turner leads a group of enslaved people to kill 55-60 white people in 2 days before being captured and hung. It caused southern states to crack down on slaves, and make slaves live with even worse restraints and restrictions. This was because Southerners didn’t want slaves getting any ideas from Nat Turner’s -
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Mexican-American War
A war fought between Mexico and the US over Texas and its annexations. Other territories were involved, but Texas was the main fighting ground. Since Mexico abolished slavery, the Mexican American war meant that Texas, a slave country, would be part of the US, and thus make an imbalance in the senate. -
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California Gold Rush
Thousands moved to California for gold, quickly increasing its population and making it a state. California became a free state, upsetting the South and increasing North-South tensions. -
Compromise of 1850
This law aimed to ease tensions over slavery by admitting California as a free state and allowing other areas to vote on slavery. It also strengthened the Fugitive Slave Law. It increased conflict by making slavery a bigger issue. Southerners felt threatened, and Northerners pushed harder to stop slavery. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Allowed settlers to vote on whether to allow slavery, undoing the Missouri Compromise. Led to violent clashes over slavery in new territories, worsening divisions.Led to violent clashes over slavery in new territories, worsening divisions. -
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“Bleeding Kansas”
Violent conflicts between anti- and pro-slavery settlers in Kansas. The violence previewed the Civil War, showing how deeply divided the country was. -
Attack on Charles Sumner
Congressman Preston Brooks beat Senator Sumner after an anti-slavery speech. Showed how violent and divided the government had become over slavery. -
Dred Scott v Sanford
The Supreme Court ruled that slaves weren’t citizens and Congress couldn't ban slavery in territories. Outraged the North and made national compromise harder, increasing federal vs. state conflict -
Raid on Harpers Ferry
Abolitionist John Brown tried to start a slave revolt by attacking a federal arsenal. Made the South fear that the North would use violence to end slavery, pushing them toward secession. -
Election of 1860
Lincoln was elected without support from Southern states. The South felt powerless and believed secession was their only option. -
Southern Secession
Southern states left the Union to form the Confederacy. Broke up the country and was the direct cause of the Civil War. -
Shots fired at Ft. Sumter
Confederate forces attacked Union troops at Ft. Sumter. This marked the start of the Civil War with military conflict. -
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American Industrial Revolution
Growth of manufacturing and factory jobs in the North. The North focused on industry while the South depended on slave-based farming, widening economic and moral divides.