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"Bleeding Kansas"
When Kansas was made into a territory in the year 1854, violent guerilla warfare outbreaks began. This is because the people of Kansas and Missouri disagreed on the legality of slavery for the new Kansas territory. This event ignited harsh debates and ultimately was a key factor as to why the Civil War began. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The event that kicked off the “Bleeding Kansas” era was the passing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. This act was set in place to repeal the Missouri Compromise which meant that two new territories were created and popular sovereignty was allowed. With the new rise of popular sovereignty, citizens couldn’t agree on whether Kansas should become a slave-state or a free state. Numerous attacks broke out and the time period was named “Bleeding Kansas” because of how harsh people were towards each other. -
First election held in Kansas
In 1854, the first election ever held in Kansas took place. At this election, Andrew H. Reeder was elected as the first governor of the newly formed Kansas territory. This event is significant to “Bleeding Kansas” because the territory was flooded with pro-slavery citizens from Missouri. These citizens traveled there from Missouri to vote and some were armed to intimidate and bribe other voters to advocate for their cause. -
The Sacking of Lawrence
Lawerence was a city in Kansas that was founded by anti-slavery settlers. These settlers were hoping to make Kansas a free state. A violent slave-owning group led by Samuel J. Jones attacked this city and the Free State Hotel was destroyed. A man was killed in this act of violence and the event lead to free-staters acting out in savagery at Franklin’s Fort. -
Battle of Franklin of Bleeding Kansas
Many free-state supporters from Lawerence planned an attack in Franklin to reclaim stolen property and show pro-slavery supporters that they can fight back. The plan was poorly initiated and the pro-slavery men ended up being prepared and fought the free-staters till daybreak. In the end, the free-staters became fearful that the U.S. troops would capture them so they retreated without the cannon that they were striving for. Although they didn’t obtain the cannon, they took back their belongings. -
Battle of Osawatomie
After the Sacking of Lawerence and the Battle of Franklin, pro-slavery men decided that all free-staters needed to be driven out of the territory. Osawatomie was the chosen place to fight out this concept. Here, John Brown conducts a raid on the slaveowners, initiating the first battle over slavery in the U.S. This affair is significant because 5 men were killed and it was a big turning point in the "Bleeding Kansas" era since it opened the door for more brutality and brawls. -
Lecompton Constitution
In 1857, it was agreed upon that a constitution was necessary if Kansas aimed to become a state. Although a constitution was a good idea, the only people that worked on it in Lecompton were men that favored slavery. This meant that not many views were put into perspective which caused more agitation in the community. Consequently, this meeting and "constitution" added more fire to the flame that was the Civil War on its way. -
Massacre of Marais des Cygnes
At this event, a pro-slavery group led by Charles Hamilton captured 11 antislavery men in Trading Post of Linn County. From there, the pro-slavery men opened fire on their captives which killed 5 and severely injured the rest. This event was the last most major act of violence that led up to the Civil War, therefore, the pro-slavery men retreated to Missouri while the antislavery men stayed near Osawatomie. Trading Post wasn't bothered again and ultimately became a demilitarized zone. -
Constitutional Convention at Wyandotte
Differing from the Lecompton Constitution, the constitution created in Wyandotte was controlled by free-state advocates. This meant that the document included a clause that prohibited slavery. Furthermore, the advocates also fixed the current boundaries of the territory, and the document was accepted by the people of Kansas in October. By December a provisional state government was elected, forwarding the process of Kansas becoming a state. -
Territorial Legislature
In 1860, slavery was finally abolished in Kansas provided that the Territorial Legislature passed a bill that overpowered the governor's veto. With that being said, the small violent outbreaks continued but were started to fizzle out as the big storm known as the Civil War was starting to loom over the future of the country. -
Statehood of Kansas
On January 29, 1861, the U.S. Senate approved the Wyandotte Constitution and Kansas became the 34th state of the United States. After long hard work and three failed conventions for constitutions, Kansas was able to enter the Union as a free state which put an unofficial end to the "Bleeding Kansas" era.
