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Missouri Compromise
The North and he South had some very hectic arguments about the growth of slavery. Henry Clay-the great compromiser- settled the debate. The Missouri Compromise was a series of laws that helped settle the arguments between free and slave states. -
The Nullification Crisis
Sothern states felt that the tariffs were unfair and only supported the North. Vice president John C. Calhoun said any state could nullify a federal law it considers unconstitutional. The federal government denied South Carolina's argument, South Carolina threatened to secede. Henry Clay came up with a compromise and lowered the tariff. -
Compromise of 1850
Congress had many heated debates as to whether the new territories won from Mexico would be admitted as a slave state or a free state. Henry Clay once again helped with the compromise. The compromise stated that California would be admitted as a free state, and Congress would not pass laws banning slavery from the rest of the territories. -
Fugitive Slave Act of 1850
In 1850 the Fugitive Slave Law was passed. The act permitted the capture of African Americans who had fled to the north to escape bondage. These laws heightened tension, and set the stage for John Brown's Raid and the American Civil War. -
Bleeding Kansas 1855
5000 people from nearby pro slavery Missouri came and voted for pro slavery representatives in Kansas illegally. Anti slavery opponents started their own government.The anti slavery government was attacked by proslavery forces. To avenge this attack, extreme abolitionist John Brown murdered several of his proslavery neighbors. -
Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott was a slave who sued for his freedom. He was the property of his owner and property could not be taken from a person without due process of law. -
Attack on Harpers Ferry
John Brown wanted to inspire slaves to fight for their freedom. He was planning on stealing the arsenal in Virginia to arm slaves. John Brown and his men were captured. Abolitionists saluted Brown as ha was out to death, the issue of slavery had raised tensions in America to the breaking point. -
Election of 1860
Abraham Lincoln wins the election, and Sothern states begin to secede from the union shortly after he is elected.
