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Importation of slaves ends
Political.
This event was the result of a federal law passed by Congress using its constitutional power to ban the international slave trade. -
The Missouri Compromise/The Compromise of 1820
Political.
This event was a legislative agreement made by Congress to balance the power between free and slave states and maintain sectional peace in the federal government. -
The Wilmot Proviso
Political.
It was a proposed law aimed at preventing the expansion of slavery into new territories, sparking intense debate between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in Congress. -
The Compromise of 1850
Political.
This event was a series of laws passed to settle disputes between free and slave states over the expansion of slavery in new territories. -
The Fugitive Slave Act
Political
It was a federal law passed by Congress to enforce the return of escaped enslaved people, strengthening government authority over the issue of slavery. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Social
It raised awareness about the moral injustices of slavery and stirred strong emotional reactions that influenced public opinion across the nation. -
The Kansas Nebraska Act
Political.
It dealt with the issue of allowing territories to decide the legality of slavery through popular sovereignty, increasing tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups and affecting national politics. -
Bleeding Kansas
Political
It involved violent conflict over whether Kansas would enter the Union as a free or slave state, highlighting deep divisions over federal and state power regarding slavery laws. -
The Caning of Charles Sumner
Political
It was a violent reaction to a speech Sumner gave in the Senate criticizing pro-slavery politicians, highlighting the deepening political conflict over slavery. -
The Dred Scott Decision
Political
It involved the Supreme Court ruling on slavery and citizenship, which intensified national debates over states rights and federal authority.