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This is a period of time before the Civil War with a series of events leading up to it. It includes pivotal events in American History where many of them pushed the country closer to the war.
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The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was a part of the Compromise of 1850 and had been a law since the 1790s. However, in 1850 this law had increased its intensity. This required more harsh penalty for officials who failed to arrest runaway slaves. This act made the 1850s a more violent era of antislavery in America. (Varon, 235) -
This novel was written by Harriet Beecher Stowe in response to the Fugitive Slave Act. It is a story about defending slaves and how they were treated. It is based on a true story and the experiences Stowe has seen in the past. This novel is a real comparison to how slavery was during that time and how brutal they were treated. Many of the northerners were shocked about this story. (from class) -
A presidential election between Franklin Pierce and Winfield Scott. Pierce was a democrat while Scott was a Whig. Pierce wanted to enforce the compromise of 1850 and the Fugitive Slave Law. Pierce one the election with 254 votes while Scott had 42 electoral votes. Scott was the last Whig party candidate to run for president. Many antislavery men and women believed this election to be a mockery. Both parties relied on the Compromise to keep them together. (Varon, 248-250) -
This act, introduced by Stephen Douglas, established the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. This act also repealed the Missouri Compromise Nebraska in the north would be Free-Soil while Kansas in the south would still be open to slavery. Although this act had an 'appeal' in the north, the southerners countered it. Eventually, the fate of the country was to be decided in Kansas. This then led to Bleeding Kansas. (from class) -
From November 1855 to May 156, Kansas Territory faced violent conflicts. Peoples home were being attacked, belongings were destroyed, and there were many deaths. It was a period of time when pro-slavery and antislavery Kansans went at each other. This violence occurred because of a debate about making Kansas a free state or still in favor of slavery. (Varon, 266-267) -
Charles Sumner was attacked with a cane by Preston Brooks. This occurred in the U.S. Senate when Sumner gave a speech that was critical of slaveholders and called out Andrew Butler. Brooks did not agree with Sumner's speech and mentioned that Butler was his relative. Brooks then gets up and beats Sumner with his cane leaving him bleeding and traumatized on the ground. Brooks stops beating Sumner when the cane snaps in two. (from class) -
This was a Supreme Court decision which began when Fred Scott sues for his freedom. Scott argues that his position as a slave is invalid because he has traveled to states where there is no slavery. The court argued that Scott was not a legal citizen of the U.S. and could not legally go against Sanford. The decision was a major setback in the antislavery movements. The Dred Scott case was overturned and moved the country closer to the civil war. (from class) -
A series of debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. These debates were about which one would get the Illinois seat in the U.S. Senate. Both candidates had many ideas to offer in their arguments. These debates took place in nine Illinois Congressional Districts. Lincoln's speech 'House Divided' was a memorable statement. He made many great points but ultimately lost the debates. These debates however launched him into presidency. (Varon, 315-317) -
John Brown was an abolitionist who led a violent attack on the federal armory at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. His aim was to lead a slave revolt and he gave weapons to enslaved people. He consolidates six men to support him in his raid. Eventually, Brown and his group were captured by local militia and brought to trial and execution. This event also pushed the country closer to the civil war. Brown was executed less than two months after the raid. (from class) -
The Election of 1860 was a presidential election in the United States in which Abraham Lincoln won with 180 electoral votes. Lincoln's victory triggered a series of events including the succession of the southern states and ultimately leading to the Civil War. He was against the expansion of slavery which divided the North and the South. The Southerners feared Lincoln as president because he was a republican and did not support slavery. (from class)
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