Key Events Leading to the American Civil War

Declaration of Independence

1776 document asserting all men are equal.

Cotton Gin

1793 invention that made cotton production profitable.

Louisiana Purchase

1803 acquisition from France, debated slavery status.

African Slave Trade Ban

1808 law prohibiting new African slaves importation.

Missouri Compromise

1819 agreement admitting Missouri as slave state.

Mexican-American War

Conflict over Texas and California's annexation.

Manifest Destiny

Belief in U.S. expansion across North America.

Compromise of 1850

Five bills addressing slavery in new territories.

Popular Sovereignty

Residents decide on slavery in territories.

Fugitive Slave Act

Forced Northerners to assist in capturing slaves.

Bleeding Kansas

Violence over slavery in Kansas territory.

Dred Scott Case

1857 ruling declaring blacks as property.

Abraham Lincoln

Self-taught lawyer and 16th U.S. president.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates

1858 debates highlighting slavery issues.

John Brown's Raid

1859 failed attempt to incite slave rebellion.

Election of 1860

Lincoln elected with 40% popular vote.

Confederate States of America

Government formed by seceding Southern states.

Fort Sumter

Location of first battle of the Civil War.

Union vs. Confederate Population

Union: 18.5 million, Confederates: 9.5 million.

Railroad Advantage

Union's access to railroads for resupply.

Secession

Withdrawal of Southern states from the Union.