THE TRIUMPH OF SECTIONALISM The Path to Civil War

Growing Discord Over Slavery Presidents of the 1850s were afraid to suggest changes that would affect slavery; Franklin Pierce ; James Buchanan, both were Democrats The Whig Party faded out; Clay and Webster both dead 1850 Fugitive Slave Law angers many in the North Harriett Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin had a huge impact on public opinion

Franklin PierceJames Buchanan

Poster printed by abolitionists in Boston after the Fugitive Slave Law was passed

Sectionalism - continued 1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act (by Senator Stephen Douglas) was meant as another compromise using the policy of ‘popular sovereignty’ – leads to more violence “Bleeding Kansas” – civil unrest, voter frauds, John Brown’s raids, 2 state governments elected Senator Charles Sumner beaten on Senate floor Tension between North and South was at an all-time high

Bleeding Kansas

Sen Charles Sumner

Political Changes Waves of new immigrants poured into the North. This led to growth of “nativisim” and anti-Catholic prejudice. The “Know-Nothing” (American) party was established Republican Party created in 1854; 1857 Supreme Court’s Dred Scott Decision angered all anti- slavery groups

Dred Scott Chief Justice Roger B. Taney

Changes - continued 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates summarized arguments for and against expanding slavery John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry, VA failed but made Brown an anti-slavery martyr 1860 presidential election had 4 candidates, when Lincoln won for Republicans southern states seceded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America with Jefferson Davis as President

John Brown