-
Missouri Compromise of 1820
Temporarily relieved sectional tensions
Maine becomes free state
Missouri becomes a slave state
All states North of 36 degrees 30' North Latitude would be free, South of it would be slave states. -
Tariff of 1828
Tariff passed by congress of the United States to protect northern industry. The south labeled this tariff the tariff of abominations due to the horrible economic effects that resulted in the South. The south were forced to pay hefty taxes on goods they did not produce and many could not afford these taxes. -
William Llyod Garrison Publishes "The Liberator"
WIlliam Lloyd Garrison a famous abolitionist who published a weekly paper "The Liberator" which supported immediate emancipation for slaves. Published in Boston circulating mainly in the Northern region, however, caught the attention of the infuriated South. -
Nat Turner's Slave Rebellion
Rebellion led by Nat Turner in Virginia. One of the largest slave uprisings in the South that resulted in the deaths of 55-65 white people. Thiis event was a pivotal spark for the anti-slavery cause. The Southern state legislatures passed new laws prohibiting education of slaves and free blacks, restricting rights of assembly and other civil rights. -
Nullification Crisis in South Carolina
The Tariff of 1828 had angered many of the southern states, none more so than South Carolina. South Carolina awaited the election of Andrew Jackson who claimed he would significantly reduce the tariffs however, South Carolina remained displeased and threatened secession because they claimed states rights were violated. A back and forth barrage of turmoil and secession continued until the final force bill from Andrew Jackson which brought SC to their senses, redacting the threat of secession. -
Gag Rule
A compromise passed in Congress that disabled congress from considering any anti-slavery proposals. The North were not in support of this rule, however the south were because it allowed the slave labor system to progress. -
United States v. La Amistad
A series of various controversial court cases over which country had legal possession of these Africans. Taken captive from Sierra Leone put into slavery then washed ashore off the coast of Connecticut. This monumental case had rulings overtuned several times, resulting in emancipation for these captured slaves who were then brought back to Sierra Leone. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 appeased the South and North, but neither were too satisfied. The compromise allowed California into the union as a free state. The senate no longer had an equal number of slave state and free states causing a seemed majority. Also put tighter restrictions on the Fugitive Slave Law, angering the North -
Fugitive Slave Act of 1850
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was part of the Compromise of 1850 that required the authorities in the North to assist southern slave catchers and return runaway slaves to their owners. The Underground Railroad became a threatening method of travel for escaped slaves to reach relative freedom in the North. The fugitive slave act made it illegal for slaves to teistify on their behalf. Any citizens who protected the runaways would be punished by law. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe is published
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe was a best selling novel in the North that told of the horrible treatment of Black men confined to slavery. This anti-slavery novel layed the groundwork for the North's cause in the civil war, providing specific examples of the atrocious acts committed by the grueling plantation owners. -
Republican Party Immerges
This party very similar to the Whig party caused a crucial split in American politics. The North was seen as Republican while the South was seen as more Democratic. The key talisman for the Republican party was Abraham Lincoln. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The doctrine of popular sovereignty appealed to some as solution to slavery expansion problem, giving states the decision which would effectivvely repeal the Missouri Compromise. VIolence breaks out in Kansas between pro and anti slavery forces (bloody/ bleeding kansas). This law was passed creating the territories of Kansas and Nebraska but it left the question of slavery open to residents. -
Dred Scott Decsion
Decision that seemed to guarantee slavery's spread throughout the U.S. and alienated a large part of the North. Slaves were declared not as citizens. The decision found the Missouri Compromise violated the 5th amendment's prohibition against "government taking". Congress now had a responsibility to protect slaves as property. -
John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry
John Brown, an abolitionist, started a slave revolt in Virginia. Brown went to start this raid with 20 other followers at Harper's Ferry, however, it was overrun by the United States military. The raid was stopped, yet it still inspired more rebellions to occur. -
Election of 1860
Election that would see Abraham Lincoln of the Republican party victorious against three other candidates. The Democratic party was fractured during this campaign between Northern and Southern Democrats. -
Battle at Fort Sumter
The Southern Confederate party took over this pivotal fort off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. This battle is the start of the Civil War. -
Dawn of the American Civil War
First shots fired at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, SC. Confederate batteries fired on the fort, held by Union forces. The Union was forced to surrender the fort and retreat. And the Civil War was officially on.