IN PROGRESS - 1857-1860 Key info for sectionalism

March 1857

The Supreme Court issues their Dred Scott ruling on a 7:2 basis.

June 1857

Helper self publishes (in New York city) The Impending Crisis of the South which argued that slavery was inefficient and an economic barrier to the economic advancement of whites.

August 1857

Panic of 1857 due to speculation in the North on railroad shares and real estate.

Nov 1857

The Kansas convention adopts the Lecompton Constitution

December 1857

Buchanan endorses the Lecompton constitution

1857

In this year, Fitzhugh publishes 'Cannibals All or Slaves without masters', a strong attack on the 'wage slavery' found in the North and arguing that society was obliged to protect the weak by controlling and subjugating them

Spring 1858

Stephen Douglas and a committee of Congress (joint Democrats and Republicans) attempt to block the Lecompton Constitution.

August 1858

Final vote on Kansas in the state - Kansas voters clearly reject the pro-slavery Lecompton constitution.

August-October 1858

Lincoln and Douglas hold a series of seven debates discussing issues such as the validity of popular sovereignty, the Dred Scott decision, slavery and notions of black equality.

27th August 1858

Lincoln pushes Douglas to confirm the so called 'Freeport Doctrine'

1858

In this year crew from two slaver ships are acquitted by Southern courts. The Wanderer in Georgia, and The Echo in S. Carolina

October 1858

Seward gives his 'irrepressible conflict' speech in Rochester.

March 1859

In Ableman vs Booth the Supreme Court upheld the Fugitive Slave Act as constitutional saying that states could not override it.

1859

In this year, Southerners in the Democrat controlled Senate block an increase of the 1857 tariff

October 1859

John Brown leads the failed attempt to incite a slave revolt at Harper's Ferry

December 1859

Execution of John Brown (hailed as a traitor in the South and a martyr in areas of the North).

February 1860

Lincoln gives his 'Cooper Union Speech' against the spread of slavery. It helps him to become a leading Republican presidential candidate.

May 1860

Republicans adopt a concrete and precise but moderately worded platform which includes the exclusion of slavery from the territories but the affirmation of the right of states to control their own domestic institutions.

Nov 1860

Lincoln wins the 1860 election with just 40% of the popular vote.

4th December 1860

Buchanan condemns Northern interference with slave policies, but also says that secession is illegal.

18th December 1860

Senator John Crittenden of Kentucky suggests the Crittenden Proposals/ Compromise.

20th December 1860

South Carolina votes unanimously in favour of seceding from the Union.