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The Cotton Gin
After the cotton gin was invented by Eli Whitney, the south's economy began to heavily rely on the export of cotton. More slaves were wanted for more cotton harvesting and production. The north began to grow more and more concerned as plantation aristocracy grew in the south. This invention also marked the majo r economic differences of the north and south: industrial vs. agricultural -
Abolitionism
Abolitionists rose in the 1830-40s. Some of the most popular noteworthy ones were William Garrison, Frederick Douglass, and David Walker. Douglass's and Garrison's works such as "The North Star" and "The Liberator" used strong visual imagery and ethos to promote their ideals to abolish slavery. The works of many abolitionists made up the majority of the politics before the civil war and inspired many northerners to stand up for slaves. -
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Causes of the Civil War
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The Nullification crisis
The Nullification crisis was the first sign of the threat of seccession from the south. After the Tariff of Abominations was passed in 1828, South Carolina protested and threatened to secceed from the Union. This marked the beginning of sectionalism and increased tension between federal government vs. states rights. -
Wilmot Proviso
Introduced by David Wilmot, this document intended to resolve the Mexican War by offering $2 million. It greatly angered the south because it intended to ban slavery from the new territory that would be acquired from Mexico. This reckless act made by Wilmot gave the south a sense of insecurity and loss of trust with the north. -
The Underground Railroad
The underground railroad was really a large network of anti-slavery supporters and abolitionsists. The most well known supporter of this network was Harriet Tubman, who made over 19 trips through the north/south boundary and rescued thousands of slaves. These acts of prevalence begins to infuriate the south and eventually causes them to enforce the fugitive slave act. -
The Compromise of 1850
This document admitted california as a free state, led to the creation of the fugitive slave laws, organized Utah and Mexico without restrictions of slavery, and adjusted the Texas/Mexican border. This compromise did not fully sasitfy the north or the south. The north was angered from the Fugitive Slave Act while the south was unhappy about the admission of California and the Texas boundary dispute. -
Sumner-Brooks Affair
At a convention, repulican Charles Sumner began to rant about the corrupit south and their violent acts in Kansas. Sumner also insulted and singled-out South Carolina representative Andrew Brooks, who became so infuriated that he bashed Sumner with a cane. It is clear that conventions and compromises are ineffective to solve the slavery issue of the north and south and that civil war is the only solution. -
Bleeding Kansas
The Kansas Border War was the first major bloodbaths and acts of violence between the north and south. . Because the state went by popular soverignty, border ruffians and abolitionists fought against each other. John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry shook the nation and shocked many. This skirmish led to more hatred and the seeking of vengence from both sides of the US. -
Lincoln's "House Divided" speech
President Lincoln did not want the south the secceed or want the nation to lean towards sectionalism. He delivered a speech to the Senate and quoted the Bible, claiming "A house divded against itself cannot stand". His use of analogies was a good effort in an attempt to encourage compromise and was heard throughout the nation. -
The Assualt on Fort Sumter
The Union declaration of War started at Fort Sumter. When Lincoln took office, Fort Sumter was the only place in South Carolina that was still under Union control. The Confederates launched a bombardment on the fort in 1861 which marked the beginning of the war. -
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Reconstruction and Afermath
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Lincoln's 10% Plan
Lincoln felt more sympathy and understanding for the south compared to the radical republicans. He propsed the 10% plan, which readmitted Confederate states to the Union if 10% of the state’s citizens took a loyalty oath and would agree to abolish slavery. Lincoln's plan was significant as it set a foundation for Johnson's presidency. -
Wade-Davis Bill
The Wade-Davis Bill required 50% of state voters to swear allegiance to the United States. Pledging this oath would mean agreeing to the abolishment of slavery and the end of the Conderacy. This bill also weakened Lincoln as it also encouraged Congress to override president vetos. -
Johnson's Plan
Johnson was a strong supporter of Lincoln and went with Lincoln's ten percent plan. However, he added additional touches to it to benefit the south. He gave away pardons to wealthy southern owners as long as their paid a large fine. Many republicans were angered by this since it would only bring back plantation aristocracy. Additionally, Johnson ratified the 13th amendment in the south, which prohibited slavery there. -
Sherman's March
From Atlanta, Georgia to the Atlantic Ocean, the Union Army burned everything in their paths. This completely devastated the south's resources and moral during the war. This proved that reconstruction for the south was more needed than in the north. -
Election of 1864
The Republicans joined with the War Democrats to form the Union Party in the election of 1864. Running against Lincoln was Andrew Johnson, a local War Democrat.The Democrats, including the Copperheads, nominated General McClellan was their presidential candidate. However, the Northern Democrats lost the election of 1864. The removal of Lincoln caused southerners to lose hope for the war. -
The Assassination of Lincoln
John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in April 1865. He was shot a few days later. This moment invoked fear into the citizens of the United States. The end of Lincoln's presidency allowed the federalists and radical republicans to grow stronger. -
The Congressional Plan
The Congressional Plan was proposed by the radical republicans. They strongly disagreed with Johnson's plans and showed no mercy for the south. They created the Civil Rights Bill which destroyed Black Codes. The Congressional Plan also led to the creation of the 14th and 15th amendment, giving even more rights for blacks such as freedom to speech, citizenship, etc. -
Tenure of Office Act
This act prohibited the president from removing civil officers without the permission of the senate. Because Johnson clearly hated the radical republicans, this act was mainly made so the radicals could not be removed. Johnson's attempt to remove Secretary of War Edwin Stanton later led to his impeachment. Clearly, there is tension rising between the president and Congress. -
Military Reconstruction Act of 1867
Passed by Congress, this act imposed southern states to allow blacks to vote for convention delegates. It also required each state to ratify the 14th amendment. The Judiciary Committee knew Johnson would veto these laws so they impeached him. This event started showing the rise in power of Congress and the weakening of the president. -
Compromise of 1877
After fraud was suspected in the Election of 1876, the Compromise of 1877 was created. It was agreed that Hayes must end military reconstruction and pull federal troops out of South Carolina and Louisiana. Hayes also promised many internal improvements for the south. The Compromise would mark the end of reconstruction for the south, since they are now stablizied and do not need Union troops to be stationed.