Timeline of 1850s By Josh Misiano Nov 5, 1798 Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions written Dec 15, 1814 Hartford Convention meets during war of 1812 Mar 3, 1820 Missouri Compromise Apr 22, 1828 Tariff of Abominations passed Nov 24, 1832 South Carolina tries to nullify Nov 5, 1844 James Polk elected Apr 25, 1846 Mexican war Aug 8, 1846 Wilmot Proviso Sep 9, 1850 California enters the union Sep 18, 1850 Fugitive slave law enacted Mar 20, 1852 Publication of Uncle toms cabin Mar 20, 1854 Formation of Republican Party Mar 30, 1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act passed May 21, 1856 Border Ruffians attack Lawrence May 22, 1856 Charles sumner attacked May 24, 1856 Pottawatomie creek Mar 6, 1857 Dred Scott decision announced Apr 30, 1858 Lecompton Constitution passed Oct 7, 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debates Oct 16, 1859 Raid at Harper's ferry Apr 23, 1860 Democrats split in 1860 Nov 6, 1860 Election of 1860