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Wilmot Proviso Proposed (1846)
Introduced by Representative David Wilmot, aiming to prevent the expansion of slavery to territories gained from Mexico during the Mexican-American War. It failed, but the proposal led to tension debate between the North and South. The North supported the proposal in hopes of stopping slavery's spread, and the South believed it was a threat to their lifestyle. This slavery focused conflict influenced future political struggles and compromises like the Compromise of 1850 (McPherson, 51-52) -
Compromise of 1850 Introduced (1850)
The Compromise of 1850 was a set of laws proposed by Senator Henry Clay, aimed at solving tension between free and slave states. It declared California a free state and created new territories including Utah and New Mexico with popular sovereignty. It also strengthened the Fugitive Slave Act, which forced people to help return slaves who escaped to free states, angering the North. It temporarily eased tension, but ultimately made the two sides more divided. (McPherson, 70-73 Varon 120-125) -
The Nashville Convention (1850)
Delegates from nine Southern states met in Nashville, TN to discuss the concerns surrounding the Compromise of 1850 and increased controversy over slavery. They conversed about possible actions to protect their interests, including the possibility of leaving the Union. It didn't lead to immediate secession, but proved the nation's division due to slavery. It marked a turning point, showing that if Southern rights weren't protected, states may leave the Union (McPherson, 69-70 Varon, 126-128) -
Passing of Fugitive Slave Act (1850)
The Fugitive Slave Act was part of the Compromise of 1850, requiring all citizens to help capturing runaway slaves and returning them to their owners. It also denied alleged runaway slaves the right to a jury trial. Those found helping runaway slaves faced fines and imprisonment through this act. Many Northerners saw it as a direct violation of human rights and extension of slavery into allegedly free states. It ultimately intensified the conflict (McPherson,74-76 Varon, 130-132) -
Formation of the Republican Party (1854)
In response to increasing tension over slavery especially after the Kansas Nebraska Act, the Republican Party was formed. It allowed territories to decide whether to permit slavery. Its main goal was to stop slavery from spreading. The party attracted many Northerners, including former Whigs and Free Soilers. It did not start as a party to completely end slavery, but became powerful against it and grew quickly. It played a role in Lincoln's election in 1860. (McPherson, 118-120 Varon, 164-167) -
Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)
The act allowed settlers in Kansas and Nebraska to decide whether to permit slavery through popular sovereignty. It undid the Missouri Compromise, which banned slavery in the area. The law led to heightened problems because both pro-slavery and anti-slavery ran to Kansas to influence the decision, leading to "Bleeding Kansas" brawls. It also contributed to the end of the Whig Party and formation of the Republican Party against the spread of slavery. (McPherson, 111-115 Varon, 155-158) -
The Ostend Manifesto (1854)
An attempt by US diplomats to justify the acquisition of Cuba from Spain. Southern leaders were interested in Cuba for its slaveholding region and they believed slavery's expansion was key for keeping their lifestyle. The manifesto suggested that if Spain refused to sell Cuba, the US should take it by force. The backlash led to the US steering away from the manifesto. The divide between the two sides over slavery expansion was revealed here (McPherson, 110-112 Varon, 142-144) -
Caning of Charles Sumner (1856)
In 1856, Senator Charles Sumner gave a speech, "The Crime Against Kansas," attacking slavery and Southern leaders. In response, Congressman Preston Brooks attacked and beat him with a cane on the Senate floor, leaving him severely injured. The North was shocked and angry, while the South supported Brooks. The violent incident symbolized the lack of respect in political debate during the lead-up to the Civil War (McPherson, 128-130 Varon, 159-161) -
Panic of 1857 (1857)
The Panic of 1857 was a financial downturn that hit the US, specifically the North. It began when a large bank collapsed, which led to business failure and unemployment. The South was not affected as much due to their reliance on cotton and slavery. Northerners blamed Southerners for causing economic instability, and Southerners saw it as proof their system was superior. The divide between the two regions grew even more tense in the US due to this event (McPherson, 167-170 Varon, 178-180) -
The Lincoln-Douglas Debates (1858)
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas debated for the Illinois Senate seat in 1858. The debates focused on the issue of slavery, where Douglas (D) argued for popular sovereignty, and Lincoln (R) argued slavery shouldn't spread to new territories. Lincoln lost, though the debates made him a national figure and set the stage for his presidential campaign two years later. The growing division of the nation over slavery was highlighted through the debates. (McPherson, 150-153 Varon, 172-174)