PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Northwest ordinance of 1787
This ordinance created the northwest territory. It was the first organized territory of the United States. Slavery was banned in this territory and was not liked by southerners.
Missouri compromise
1820
Regulated slavery in the western states. Prohibited slavery in the Louisiana territory. Tension raised because slavery was banned in Louisiana.
Texas Annexation
February 1845
Texas declared independence from Mexico and joined US. Being a slave state, this created fuel for the flame of slavery debate.
Mexican American War
May 1845
It was between the US and Mexico. American forces occupied New Mexico and invaded northern Mexico. American army captured Mexico City and won.
Wilmot Proviso
August 1846
It would have banned slavery in any land acquired from Mexico during the Mexican War and in the future. It was a major event leading to the civil war. It caused tension because slave owners were not happy.
Free Soil Party
summer 1848
This was a political party that was composed of the anti slavery members of Whigs. This party wanted anything with slavery to die in a hole. This creates tension.
Compromise of 1850
Collection of five bills that stopped four years of fighting. Texas surrendered claim to New Mexico, California was now a slave state, the south avoided adoption of wilmot proviso, fugitive slave act was stronger, and slave trade was banned in Washington DC. They tried to compromise but the fighting was inevitiable. It added tension because it made slave states.
Fugitive Slave Law
September 1850
It enforces the section the Constitution that requires the return of runaway slaves. This was a cause of civil war because slaves and northern states disliked.
Republican Party is Founded
Founded by anti slavery activists in 1854. First president was Abraham Lincoln. This caused tension because it was based on abolishing slavery.
Kansas Nebraska Act
1854
It created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. It allowed new settlers a place for their farm. This could cause tension because the would allow or ban slavery based on popular sovereignty.
Bleeding Kansas
1855
A series of political battles involving anti-slavery that took place in Kansas involving Missouri. This tension was caused by whether Kansas would allow or outlaw slavery.
Dred Scott Decision
1857
He was a slave and then he tried to buy his freedom. He sued Emerson in court then it went to the Supreme Court then it was denied. He then sued his owner and he was denied and was told to stay a slave. It made tension because he was denied his freedom.
Election of 1860
November, 1860
Election between Abraham Lincoln and John C. Breckinridge. Some questions were about slavery and the rights of slave owners. There was some tension because slavery was a smokin' hot topic.
South Carolina Cession
December 20, 1860
SC separated because they were afraid that slavery would be abolished. They formed the confederacy. This caused tension because the union wasn't union any longer.
