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Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American War started in 1846 due to Mexico not necessarily recognizing Texas as American territory. They also still wanted Texas for their own state-hood. Mexico was also accused of attacking Americans on United States soil. America wanted to expand its territory during this time across the North American continent. This still caused tension throughout the states (McPherson, 32). -
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Events leading up to American Civil War
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California Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush lasted from 1849 and reached its peak around 1852. The rush for gold was important to note due to its economic growth which grew rapidly. The Gold Rush was the roaring start of agricultural and industrial development. The rapid economic growth of California is what helped them to be quickly recognized as a state. This is important because this created a passion in Americans to seek their idea of manifest destiny and expand westwards (McPherson, 38). -
Compromise of 1850
The acts from the Compromise of 1850 led to California to become a free state. This also formed a government for Utah and Mexico. They also eventually established a boundary between the United States and Texas. This also caused questions about abolishing slavery in Washington, DC. Finally, the Compromise of 1850 abolished the Fugitive Slave Act, which required slaves to be returned to their owners even if they were in a free state. This led to more questions and anger throughout the state. -
Fugitive Slave Act
The Fugitive Slave Act was formed to have slaves who escaped from their owners to be returned to them safely even if they were in a free state. The Act also allowed government officials to be responsible for finding and returning their escaped slaves. This threatened the safety of all African Americans and implemented fear in them ever trying to become a free man or woman. This is important to include because it shows the start of more tensions between the North and South (Varon, 38). -
Uncle Tom's Cabin Published
The story of Uncle Tom is published and it tells the story about a slave who is treated so poorly by his slave master. This book was made to show the reality of slaves being treated like animals and inhumanely. This caused more tension between the North and South and strengthened Northern abolitionism. It also caused the British to have less sympathy for the South. -
Kansas Nebraska Act
The Kansas Nebraska Act repealed the Missouri Compromise which eventually created two territories for settlement. It also led to male white settlers determining through popular sovereignty if they would allow slavery or not. It was a brutal and bloody massacre of anti-slavery and pro-slavery activists swarming and fighting to get their votes to change. In conclusion, Nebraska and Kansas were now open to slavery. -
Pottawatomie Massacre
This horrific massacre was caused by Kansas being attacked by pro-slavery settlers Infront of their families, friends and children. John Brown also killed slavery settlers Infront of their wives and children. This is important to include because it came to be known as "Bleeding Kansas". This also caused more tension throughout the North and South. The war ended in a cold blood bath with millions of dollars in damage. -
Dred Scott Decision
In the Dred Scott court case, they eventually ruled that African Americans, whether they were slaves or had ancestors who were slaves had no representation or worth in the courtroom. They also felt during this time that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. In the eyes of the court, Dred Scott had no legal right to request his freedom. This eventually led to protests in the North and caused an uproar for freedom. -
Harper's Ferry Raid
John Brown led a raid on an arsenal at Harpers Ferry, hoping to induce a slave rebellion. He wanted to free the slaves and encourage them to rebel. He also wanted to instill fear in Southerners. However, he did not succeed his conquest and was eventually captured and hanged. Most people commended John Brown for his beliefs and actions; that he believed in anti-slavery so much that he was willing to die to put an end to it. (Varon,326) -
Election of 1860
In the election of 1860, Abraham Lincoln was declared president and earned more popular votes and electoral votes than any other candidate. He was passionate about his beliefs with slavery and emphasized that he did not want it to continue to spread throughout territories. This also was significant because it still showed the divisions in states still right before the Civil War begins (US.history.com).
