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Compromise of 1850
5 separate bills that calmed a confrontation between slave and free states regarding the land acquired during the Mexican American War -
California becomes 21st State
After a heated debate in Congress about slavery in the state, California entered the Union as a free state. 31st state. -
Uncle Toms Cabin
Novel published by Harriet Beecher Stowe; it shows a sad view of life under slavery. The main character is a slave who is eventually beaten to death by overseer Simon Legree. -
Election of 1852
Similar to election of 1844 where the current president was a Whig who had succeeded to presidency upon the death of his war-hero predecessor. Franklin Pierce was victorious over Winfield Scott. -
Bleeding Kansas
Series of violent political confrontation with anti slavery “free states” and pro-slavery “southern yankees” elements in Kansas between 1854 and 1861. -
Gadsden Purchase
Agreement between U.S. and Mexico in which the U.S. pays Mexico 10 million for a 29,670 square mile portion of Mexico that later became Arizona and New Mexico. -
The Kansas-Nebraska Act
Passed by Congress in 1854 that allowed people in the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves whether or not they should allow slavery there. It repealed the Missouri Compromise that prohibited slavery north of latitude 36 30. -
Charles Sumner and Preston Brooks Incident
Incident where Brooks beat Sumner on the head with a gold-tipped cane after Sumner gave a speech against Andrew Butler about slavery. -
Election of 1856
Democrat James Buchanan defeated Republican John C. Fremont. -
Dredd Scott Decision
Controversial ruling made by the Supreme Court in 1857 before the outbreak of the Civil War. Dredd Scott, a slave sought to be free because he had lived in a free territory with his master. -
Douglas/Lincoln Debates
Series of 7 debates between Democratic senator Stephen A. Douglas and Republican Abraham Lincoln, largely concerning the issue of slavery extension t=into the territories. -
John Brown Aid
An effort by white abolitionist John Brown to start an armed slave revolt in 1859 by seizing a U.S. arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia.