The 1850s: Road to Secession

Problems of Sectional Balance in 1850 California statehood. Southern “fire-eaters” threatening secession. Underground RR & fugitive slave issues: Personal liberty laws

Compromise of 1850

Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811 – 1896) So this is the lady who started the Civil War. -- Abraham Lincoln

Uncle Tom’s Cabin 1852 Sold 300,000 copies in the first year. 2 million in a decade!

Uncle Tom’s Cabin, 1852

Kansas-Nebraska Act, 1854 Popular Sovereignty in KS & NB  Did away with the Missouri Compromise

The act led to violence and fraudulent voting “Bleeding Kansas” The act led to violence and fraudulent voting

“The Crime Against Kansas” Sen. Charles Sumner (R-MA) Congr. Preston Brooks (D-SC)

John Brown: Madman, Hero or Martyr? Mural in the Kansas Capitol building by John Steuart Curry (20c)

Dred Scott v. Sanford, 1857 Dred Scott sued his owner for freedom because they moved to a free state. Decision: slaves are property and cannot sue Impact: Slavery can exist anywhere!

John Brown’s Raid on Harper’s Ferry, 1859 John Brown wanted to start a slave uprising, but was caught The North saw him as a martyr after he was hanged

1860 Presidential Election √ Abraham Lincoln Republican John Bell Constitutional Union 1860 Presidential Election Stephen A. Douglas Northern Democrat John C. Breckinridge Southern Democrat

1860 Election: 3 “Outs” & 1 ”Run!”

1860 Election: A Nation Coming Apart?!

1860 Election Results

Secession!: SC Dec. 20, 1860 The south formed the Confederate States of America and chose Jefferson Davis as President.

Fort Sumter: April 12, 1861