2. James Buchanan - Democrat 15 th President 1857-1861

3. Dred Scott sued for his freedom Abolitionists believed this case could end slavery Supreme Court ruled African- Americans were not citizens and had NO RIGHTS Slaves were property, thus protected by the Constitution Congress had no right to ban slavery in any territory. “Slavery was Lawful and Legal”

4. The Republican party was formed in reaction to the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. The party was created from the Northern Whigs, Free-Soilers and a few Northern Democrats who opposed slavery. The Republican Parties goal was to stop the spread of slavery. The parties new leader was a young Illinois politician named Abraham Lincoln.

6. 1858 Republican Abe Lincoln ran against Democrat Stephen A. Douglas for the Illinois US Senate seat. Lincoln argued in the HOUSE DIVIDED SPEECH “a house divided against itself cannot stand”” Lincoln believed slavery should not be expanded. Douglas (Little Giant) argued slavery should be decided by popular sovereignty. Douglas won a close race, but Lincoln made a name for him and his new party.

7. Abolitionist John Brown had a plan to inspire slaves to fight for their freedom. Brown and several white and black men attacked a US Marine arsenal to capture weapons and supply a slave revolt. The attack failed and John Brown was captured and hanged for murder and treason. Southerners were outraged by his actions, Northerners praised his deeds. “I am quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away, but with blood.” John Brown

8. LAST MOMENTS OF JOHN BROWN

10. In the election of 1860 the Democrats split their vote between 2 candidates Stephen A. Douglas (popular sovereignty) northern democrat John C. Breckinridge (States Rights) southern democrat

11. Others joined a new party “Constitutional Union” John Bell (preserve the Union) Lincoln was the Republican candidate.( Stop Slavery)

13. 1.Lincoln 40% 2.Douglass 30% 3.Breckinridge 18% 4.Bell 12% Lincoln wins the election, but only receives 40% of the popular vote….and not 1 electoral vote from the South.

15. Outraged…the south threatens to secede. Dec 20, 1860 South Carolina Secedes. Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas soon follow