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Southern and Northern states argued about the growth of slavery. Henry Clay was the creator of the Great Compromise, and settled the debate by saying Maine would be free and Arkansas would be open to slavery.
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The southern states thought that tariffs were unfair and only benefited the North. When the federal government denied South Carolina's argument, they threatened to secede. Henry Clay then came up with a compromise to lower the tariff.
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After war with Mexico, Congress has many disagreements as if the new territories won from Mexico would admit as free or slave states. Henry Clay once again helped come up with a Compromise. California would be admitted as a free state and any other territories would not be banned from slavery.
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In 1850, Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act. This act forced the capture of African Americans that have fled to escape bondage. This caused tension and set stage for John Brown's Raid and the Civil War.
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Around five thousand pro-slavery people from Missouri came to Kansas and voted for pro-slavery representatives in Kansas illegally. People who were anti-slavery started their own government. Riots were formed and lots of violence broke down in Kansas.
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Dred Scott had been a former slave who was sued for his freedom. He was the property of his owner and couldn't be taken from a person without due process of law.
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John brown wanted to inspire slaves to fight for their freedom. He planned to capture the arsenal. Shortly after, Brown and his men were captured.
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Abraham Lincoln wins the 1860 election even though he would do nothing to abolish slavery. In result the Southerners did not trust him and began to secede from the Union.
