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Under the guidance of James Polk, America began to engage in a conflict with Mexico as it began to push further into the southwest. I find this extremely important in the context of the civil war as the conflict would begin to bring up the conversation of whether or not slavery would be legal further west in the new territories. Abolitionists believed that because of these new states lacking the restrictions of conventional society, slaves could not be considered property. (McPherson, 66)
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Act passed by congress which dictated that escaped slaves must be returned to their owners even in free states. This infuriated abolitionists who believed that slaves upon entering a free state should be able to earn their freedom regardless of their status. This act treated these individuals as vagrants who deserved to be caught by any means necessary, another dehumanizing act by the southern states who supported slavery. (varon, 326)
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A landmark case with the supreme court which dictated that African Americans were not eligible to be citizens. Scott sued for his freedom after escaping to free territories and despite this the court deemed that he was unable to sue Sandford as he was was still considered property under the laws in southern states.
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Failed state constitution that became a point of contention for being extremely pro slavery despite Kansas being a new state and past the mississippi river. Despite seemingly being a minor event, the polarization of slavery was driven to a head as people fought against the freedom of enslaved individuals. (vernon 307)
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John Brown believed himself to be a man of faith with strong convictions against slavery who believed slaves deserved a free state in which they would be able to exist without persecution. In 1859 following events in Kansas, Brown launched a raid against the federal armory in order to launch his fight for the freedom of slaves. I believe that this is worth covering in the timeline because we seldomly hear about an event that could've radicalized the lives of so many. (varon 326)
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Following Lincoln's election, there was an uproar in the south due to his position on slavery. A formal decree of secession from the United States was given by the state which soon began a domino effect for the rest of the south. Slavery made up most of the labor within the industries which formed the backbone of such wealthy area. The fear that without slaves, their entire economy would collapse was great resulting in such an action.
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Abraham Lincoln, a controversial republican and abolitionist was elected as president while running on a primarily abolitionist platform. Prior to his election the topic was already polarizing, dividing the nation into two factions both of whom held strong beliefs for their respective sides. Upon his election uproar spread throughout the South, and many individuals believed that by abolishing slavery, it would severely impact businesses that relied upon the slave labor such as tobacco.
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Major turning point in the Civil War officially freeing slaves within the confederacy. While many remained enslaved for years to come, the act of officially denouncing slavery and outright banning it showcased where the nation sought to move towards following the war. The speech itself was a testament to everything that was being fought for and gave one final push to the Union, affirming their sacrifice would be well worth it. “The Emancipation Proclamation,” National Archives
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Devastating battle at Fort Pillow in Tennessee in which confederate forces were led by Nathan Bedford Forrest. A brutal battle in which Confederate soldiers specifically targeted the fort and the african american soldiers within. 70% of white soldiers survived the attack but only 35% of black soldiers were left following what became known as a massacre. Despite this, the fort was abandoned the very next day and became a symbol for any future african american soldiers.
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Lincoln at the very height of his influence and power, was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. A supporter of the failing confederacy, Booth was enraged by the prospect of Black voters and decided to assassinate Lincoln during a play at the Ford Theatre. Booth also believed that by assassinating the figurehead of the Union would bring a second wind to the south, revitalizing it once more.