The Politics of Slavery C.C. Standards 11.1.4 & 11.10.2 The Civil War: Part One The Politics of Slavery C.C. Standards 11.1.4 & 11.10.2
Pre Lesson Focus: During the lesson answer these questions What were the pre-Civil War politics attempting to accomplish? What tools did politicians use to gain support for their policies? What is the importance of Dred Scott v. Sandford to slave laws? Who were the important figures in pre-Civil War politics?
Slavery in the Territories California: Free state or Slave state Compromise of 1850 California Fugitive Slave Act popular sovereignty (Utah & New Mexico) What did the Missouri Compromise establish regarding the expansion of slavery?
Resistance to Slavery Fugitive Slave Act Underground Railroad No trial by jury Aiding slaves = $1,000 fine & imprisonment Underground Railroad System of safe-houses from slave states to Canada Harriet Tubman Uncle Tom’s Cabin Harriet Beecher Stowe
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Lecture Pause: READING TIME Turn to p. 166 Read “Historic Decisions of the Supreme Court – Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857). Answer the following question: In Dred Scott v. Sandford, what were the two conclusions made by the Supreme Court about slavery?
Dred Scott v. Sandford, 1857 Majority Opinion No legal standing to sue because he was not a citizen, he was property. Banning slavery = taking away property rights. Interpretation: Constitution states that citizens cannot be deprived property without the due process of law (5th amend.). All attempts to ban slavery in the territories were prohibited. Dissenting opinion Constitution gave rights to African Americans Congress has power to “make all needful Rules and Regulations…”
John Brown & Harper’s Ferry October 16, 1859 Aim: seize federal arsenal & start slave uprising Result: Rebellion smashed, Brown executed North and South react
Lincoln: The Views of the President 1860 platform = Halt slavery, not abolish slavery Wins election with less than 50% of vote South Carolina secedes Followed by MS, FL, AL, GA, LA, & TX Formed Confederate States of America Jefferson Davis, President
Post Lecture Review: Civil War Politics What is popular sovereignty? Why was popular sovereignty an issue in pre-Civil War politics? What do you know about the Underground Railroad? How was it possible for Lincoln to win the 1860 election with less than 50% of the vote?