Slavery and State's Rights

Kansas-Nebraska Act

May 30, 1854

This allowed the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide if they wanted to be free or slave-holding states.

Dred Scott Decision

Mar 6, 1857

Declared that slaves were not considered citizens and could not "sue for rights".

Succession Convention

Jan 28, 1861

Pro-successionists met for a convention to discuss succession. Sam Houston opposed leaving the Union. People who had this opinion, like Houston, were called Unionists.

Seccession Ordinance

Feb 1, 1861

Texas has now adopted a seccession ordinance.

Voting to Leave

Feb 23, 1861

Texas citizens have voted to leave the Union 46,153 to 14,747.

7th State

Mar 2, 1861

Texas has now joined the Confederate States of America. They are now the 7th state to leave the Union.