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Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise is an agreement that would make Missouri a slave state and make Maine a free state. Before this agreement, people in Missouri could vote and people from different states also came to Missouri to vote. As a result of the compromise, the south outlawed slavery from a line going west from Missouri's southern border. -
Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott was born a slave and later under the Missouri Compromise, sued for his freedom. According to the court, because Scott was an African American, he was not considered a citizen and could not legally sue. This decision proved that freedom was not really given to everyone as stated in the Missouri Compromise. -
John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry
Abolitionist John Brown and 21 followers captured the federal armory at Hapers Ferry. John Brown believed that the only way to defeat those who wanted slavery was to "fight fire with fire". Brown led many raids that helped to free some slaves. His raid at Harpers Ferry became a quick loss that later led to his death. -
American Civil War
The American Civil War was between the North and South over the issue of slavery. The North was trying to reunite the Southern states back into the United States of America. The South was led by President Jefferson Davis and General Robert E. Lee led his troops. Abraham Lincoln led the Northern states as President, with General Ulysses S. Grant. The war began in April 1861 and ended in 1865. -
Reconstruction Period and The Emancipation Proclamation
The reconstruction period was an effort by Lincoln to bring the United States back out of the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln attemed to bring this was to an end by issuing the Emanipation Proclamation on January 1st, 1863. This proclamation freed slaves in the states that had left the Union. It was considered a warning that Lincoln would get rid of slavery in states that rebelled. Lincoln believed this proclamation to be an "act of justice" that the United States desperately needed. -
Lincoln Assassination
President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth while the president was watching a play at Ford's Theatre. Booth was a supporter of the Confederacy. After shooting Lincoln, Booth jumped off the balcony and landed on the stage below. He broke his leg in the attempt to escape, but was later captured and killed. The death of Lincoln created an ever bigger gap between the north and south. -
Jim Crow Laws
Jim Crow Laws were laws that kept African Americans separated from the white Americans in the south. The motto for these laws was "separate but equal". This meant that African Americans had different schools, restaurants, water fountains, and other public places and things they could use, even though they were not as good. -
Plessy vs. Ferguson Decision
This was a court case in 1896 that stated Railroads must provide "separate, but equal" accomodations for white and African American people. This doctrine became a guidline that applied to every public and social service such as in the school system as well as neighborhoods. -
"To Kill A Mockingbird" Set
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Brown v. The Board of Education Decision
The Board of Education was not providing African American children with the same learning experiences as white children. Brown fought against the Board to try to make public education equal for all children. The decision got rid of segregated schools for colored and white children. -
Mongomery Bus Boycott
This boycott stated when an African American female named Rosa Parks, refused to give up her seat on a bus. This was important because African Americans soon began to fight against segragation. They refused to ride busses and one year after the protest ended, they were able to ride with pride. -
"To Kill A Mockingbird" written
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March on Washington
The March on Washington was an event where over 50,000 African Americans went to the capitol to demand equality. The march included songs, speeches by Civil Rights leaders, and prayers for freedom. In the end, over 250,000 black and white Americans stood at the capital and witnessed Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. -
JFK Assassination
John F. Kennedy, the youngest President, was shot in a parade through Dallas, Texas. Many believe that Lee Harvey Oswald was responsible for shooting the President. Shortly after the assassination, Oswald was killed before being questioned. The country was in shock and horror over the loss of such a young and lively man. -
Martin Luther King Jr. Assassination
Martin Luther King Jr. was in Memphis, Tennessee leading strikes to support black sanitation workers. The next evening, he was killed by a white man named James Earl Ray. His birthday became a national holiday in 1986. King was known to fight for freedom and stick to his faith.
