Events for the 1850s By nthurlow Nov 2, 1798 Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions written political statements drafted in 1798 and 1799, in which the Kentucky and Virginia legislatures took the position that the federal Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional. Period: Nov 2, 1798 to Nov 2, 1833 Events of the 1850s Nov 5, 1812 Hartford Convention Nov 5, 1828 Tariff of Abominations passed Nov 5, 1832 South Carolina Tries to Nullify Nov 5, 1833 Abolition of Slavery Act Mar 5, 1836 Texas declares independence from Mexico Nov 5, 1844 James Polk Elected Nov 5, 1846 Mexican War Nov 5, 1846 Wilmot Proviso Sep 9, 1850 California Enters the Union Nov 5, 1850 Missouri Compromise Nov 5, 1850 Fugitive State Law enacted Nov 5, 1850 formation of Constitutional Union Party Jun 5, 1851 Publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin May 30, 1854 Kansas- Nebraska Act Passed Nov 5, 1854 Formation of the Republican Party May 21, 1856 "Border Ruffians" Attack Lawrence May 22, 1856 Charles Sumner Attacked May 24, 1856 Pottawatomie Creek Mar 5, 1857 Dred Scott decision announced Nov 5, 1858 Lecompton constitution Passed Nov 5, 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debates Oct 16, 1859 Raid at harper's Ferry Nov 5, 1860 Election of 1860 Nov 5, 1860 democrats split in 1860