Events Leading to the Civil War: Key Issues and Impacts

North

Industrialized region relying on immigrant labor.

South

Agricultural region dependent on enslaved labor.

Mexican Cession Territory

Land acquired from Mexico raising slavery debate.

Compromise of 1850

Series of laws addressing slavery in new territories.

Henry Clay

The Great Compromiser who proposed the Compromise of 1850.

Stephen Douglas

Senator who passed the Compromise of 1850.

Fugitive Slave Act

Law requiring return of runaway slaves to owners.

Trial by Jury

Accused runaway slaves denied this legal right.

Slave Master Testimony

Only evidence needed to claim runaway status.

Local Police Involvement

Forced to assist in capturing fugitive slaves.

Uncle Tom's Cabin

Novel highlighting the horrors of slavery.

Abolitionists

Individuals advocating for the end of slavery.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

Allowed popular sovereignty to decide slavery issue.

Popular Sovereignty

People vote on whether to allow slavery.

Bleeding Kansas

Violent conflict over slavery in Kansas Territory.

Pottawatomie Creek Massacre

John Brown's violent retaliation against pro-slavery settlers.

Charles Sumner Incident

Increased tensions between North and South.

LeCompton Government

Pro-slavery government established in Kansas.

Topeka Government

Free-soilers' government opposing pro-slavery rule.

Sack of Lawrence

Destruction of a free-soil town by pro-slavery forces.

Republican Party Formation

Created in response to Kansas-Nebraska Act.

Whig Party Collapse

Divided over slavery issues leading to its end.

Conscience Whigs

Opposed slavery for moral reasons.

Cotton Whigs

Supported slavery for economic interests.

Fugitive Slave Act Penalties

Hiding slaves could lead to fines and jail.

Southern Reaction

Threatened secession due to Northern opposition.

Impact of Uncle Tom's Cabin

Educated Northerners, increased abolitionist sentiment.

Kansas Elections of 1855

Fraudulent election led to pro-slavery control.

Civil War in Kansas

Conflict between free-soilers and pro-slavery factions.

James Buchanan

1856 Democratic nominee, avoided Kansas-Nebraska controversy.

Dred Scott Decision

1857 ruling denying citizenship to enslaved ancestors.

Missouri Compromise

Declared unconstitutional by Dred Scott Decision.

Enslaved People

Legally considered property under the 5th Amendment.

John Brown

Led raid on Harpers Ferry to incite slave revolt.

Harpers Ferry

Location of John Brown's failed arsenal seizure.

Robert E. Lee

Stopped John Brown's raid with US Marines.

House Divided Speech

Lincoln's 1858 speech on national division over slavery.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates

Seven debates focusing on slavery and popular sovereignty.

Freeport Doctrine

Douglas's assertion that local laws could exclude slavery.

1860 Presidential Election

Lincoln won with 40% popular vote, no South EC votes.

Secession

Started with South Carolina on December 20, 1860.

Confederate States of America

Formed by seceding states, led by Jefferson Davis.

Jefferson Davis

President of the Confederate States of America.

Abolition Movement Setback

Dred Scott decision hindered efforts to end slavery.

Northern Democrats

Supported popular sovereignty in the 1860 election.

Southern Democrats

Supported slavery and its expansion in the 1860 election.

Constitution Union Party

Moderate party aimed at preserving the Union.

Frederick Douglass

Challenged Lincoln's views on African American equality.

Civil War

Conflict fueled by slavery and sectional divisions.

5th Amendment

Protects against deprivation of property without due process.

Electoral College

Lincoln received 0 votes from Southern states.

South's Political Power

Diminished as Lincoln won without Southern support.

Lincoln's Election Impact

Raised Southern fears of anti-slavery policies.

Abolitionists' Views on Brown

Considered him a martyr for the anti-slavery cause.

Southerners' Reaction to Brown

Labeled him a terrorist for his actions.