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Compromise Of 1850
Washington, D.C., was required to end the slave trade in the city, but slavery was still legal. California was admitted as a free state. A Stricter Fugitive Slave Act was passed. -
Fugitive Slave Act 1850
Stated that all fugitive slaves must be returned to their masters. Any person who was caught giving shelter, food, or protection to a runaway slave could be subject to up to six months in prison. Congress had made it illegal to even assist a fugitive slave -
Uncle Tom’s Cabin 1852
Many joined the abolitionist movement after learning the harsh realities of life as a slave. It is about a kindly old slave that is treated horribly by his master. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s book sells 300,000 copies in the first year and over 2 million copies within five years. The 2nd highest selling book of the 19th century. -
Kansas Nebraska Act 1854
The Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed each territory to decide the issue of slavery on the basis of popular sovereignty. Kansas with slavery would violate the Missouri Compromise. “Bleeding Kansas” is violently torn in half for years between pro slave/anti slave. -
Dred Scott Decision 1857
Supreme Court ruled that Dred Scott was property and not a citizen and had no right to sue. The ruling declared that the Missouri Compromise prohibiting slavery in the Northern territories was unconstitutional. -
Harper’s Ferry 1859
Brown leads a group of men to attack the weapons arsenal at Harpers Ferry. Goal is to gain control of weapons and lead a slave revolt. Raid fails and Brown is captured and hanged for treason. Becomes a martyr in the North. South sees to what extent North will do to end slavery. -
Lincoln’s Election 1860
Lincoln was the only candidate against slavery. He won, but the election showed that the country was divided. On the basis of states’ rights, a too powerful federal government and the issue of slavery, the south started to secede.Lincoln’s election pushed the nation to the brink of war. -
Attack on Federal Ft. Sumter--South Carolina 1861
The South fired upon Fort Sumter as the Union tried to resupply it. Fort nearly out of food/ ammunition and badly outnumbered. Surrendered the fort to the Southern Army. President Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers.