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First Issue of the LIberator
The Liberator was a newspaper created by William Lloyd Garrison, one of the first white abolitionists to call for an immediate end to slavery. In the first issue he wrote, "I will be as harsh as truth, and as uncompromising as justice...... I will not retreat a single inch-AND I WILL BE HEARD." -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was suggested by Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky. This allowed California to become a free state but other new territories would have no limit on slavery. It also said that slave trade (not slavery itself) would be illegal in Washington, D.C. This compromise was split into parts and each part was voted on separately, but in the end the Compromise of 1850 was passed. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin Published
Uncle Tom's Cabin was a novel written by Harriet Beecher Stowe. This book portrayed slavery as a cruel and brutal system. The sale of this novel was eventually banned in the south. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
This act was introduced by Senator Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois. This act allowed people of Kansas and Nebraska to vote on whether slavery should be allowed in the territory or not. -
James Buchanan is Sworn into Office as the 15th President
Democrat, James Buchanan tried to appeal to southerners by endorsing the idea of popular sovereignty. In the election, Buchanan took most southern states and ended up with 174 electoral votes. -
Dred Scott Decision
The supreme court decided that living on free soil didn't make Scott free. The fifth amendment prohibited the taking of property without "due process" and a slave was technically property. The Constitution protected slavery. -
John Brown's Raid at Harper's Ferry
Abolitionist John Brown led a raid on Harper's Ferry, Virginia. His goal was to get weapons from a federal arsenal and then arm enslaved African Americans to start a revolt against slaveholders. His plan failed and was defeated by local citizens and federal troops. Brown later received a death sentence and was eventually hanged. -
Abe Lincoln Elected President
Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican President. The Republicans' goal was to leave slavery alone where it existed but also ban it in new territories. -
South Carolina Secedes From the Union
South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union followed by six others: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. -
Battle at Fort Sumter Begins
Lincoln got a message from the commander at Fort Sumter saying that they were low on supplies, so Lincoln sent unarmed men with supplies to the fort. Then, Jefferson Davis, a supporter of the Confederate states, ordered his forces to attack. Fort Sumter was forced to surrender, but Lincoln wasn't happy. After this, he issued a call for troops. -
First Battle of Bull Run
The Battle of Bull Run was the first major battle of the Civil War. About 30,000 Union troops attacked a smaller Confederate force. Hundreds of spectators watched the battle which took place near the small river of Bull Run. This battle was a Confederate victory. -
Emancipation Proclamation Goes Into Effect
The Emancipation Proclamation was introduced by Abraham Lincoln as the nation approached its third year of the Civil War. It stated that all slaves held in the rebellious states are free. -
Battle of Gettysburg Begins
Confederates entered the town of Gettysburg looking for supplies. They hoped to avoid fighting on land they didn't know well, but a four day battle took place instead. The Battle of Gettysburg was a Union victory. -
Sherman's March to the Sea Begins
William Tecumseh Sherman led his troops and they circled Atlanta, Georgia. He forced John Hood's forces putting up a major resistance. Sherman laid siege and forced Hood to abandon the city. -
The Surrender at Appomattox Court House
The Union captured the train delivering food to Lee's army. They surrounded the troops and Lee knew it was over. Two days later, Grant and Lee met at Appomattox Court House. Grant offered his terms to let Lee's soldiers make their way home without any disturbances and Lee agreed. This became known as the formal end to the war. -
Lincoln's Assassination
President Abraham Lincoln was enjoying a play at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C. when actor and Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln in the head. Lincoln died hours later.
