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Unit 6 Overview

  • Key Dates: 1846, 1850, 1856

Key Figures

  • John Calhoun: Strongly believed in slavery; opposed the Wilmot Proviso which aimed to ban slavery in territories acquired from Mexico.

    • Proposed ideas to manage the future of slavery.

  • David Wilmot: Congressman from Pennsylvania; proposed the Wilmot Proviso that banned slavery in the Mexican Cession but it ultimately did not pass.

  • Zachary Taylor: President during the California Gold Rush (1848); pro-slavery tensions heightened in new territory.

  • Henry Clay: Kentucky Senator; proposed the Compromise of 1850 to maintain peace between North and South.

  • Daniel Webster: Supported the Compromise of 1850, attempting to unite factions.

  • Stephen Douglas: Illinois Senator who played a crucial role in passing parts of the Compromise.

Compromise of 1850

  • Aimed at resolving tensions over slavery in new territories.

    • Key Components: 8 proposals, 5 of which were passed, including California's admission as a free state and strengthening of the fugitive slave law.

    • Despite efforts, not all aspects received support; significant tensions persisted.

The Underground Railroad

  • A secret network aiding enslaved individuals to escape to the North.

    • Harriet Tubman: Key conductor who led many escaped slaves to freedom.

    • Uncle Tom's Cabin: Written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, this book raised awareness of slavery as a moral issue.

Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854

  • Introduced popular sovereignty allowing territories to vote on slavery.

    • Led to violence and conflict known as "Bleeding Kansas" due to the influx of pro and anti-slavery supporters.

Notable Conflicts

  • Sack of Lawrence: Pro-slavery forces attacked the anti-slavery town of Lawrence, Kansas.

  • John Brown's Actions: He retaliated for Lawrence's attack by leading a violent raid at Pottawatomie Creek.

Dred Scott Decision (1857)

  • Dred Scott, a slave, sued for his freedom after living in free territories.

    • The Supreme Court ruled against him, stating that African Americans could not be citizens and that Congress had no authority to ban slavery in the territories.

1860 Presidential Election

  • Abraham Lincoln: Elected as the 16th President; campaigned against the spread of slavery.

  • This election led to South Carolina's secession from the Union, resulting in the formation of the Confederate States of America.

Key Outcomes of Secession

  • The South justified their actions citing federal overreach; notably led by President Jefferson Davis.

  • Lincoln's leadership and opposition to slavery marked a significant turning point in American history.