AP US History Unit 5

 Antislavery movement gains ground in the north in the 1850’s with the publishing of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel on the cruelties of slavery, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.  Animosity for the north continued to grow in the hearts of the southerners.  What influenced Stowe’s writing of Uncle Tom’s Cabin in 1852?

 With Stephen Douglas’ Kansas-Nebraska Act, the race to populate the newly created Kansas and Nebraska territories had begun.  Thousands of abolitionist northerners and pro-slavery southerners flocked the area to stake their claim and cast their vote.  What is popular sovereignty?

 The time has come to organize the territorial legislature for the Kansas territory.  “Border Ruffians” from Missouri (pro-slavery) poured in to set up the state government.  Abolitionists also sent representatives to Kansas to set up a state government as well.  Where was the first major act of violence in the Kansas territory between anti-slavery north and pro-slavery south?

 John Brown; passionate abolitionist  Leads a group of men to Pottawatomie Creek in May of 1856  Brutally kills 5 men in response to the attack in Lawrence.  Was John Brown justified in his retalliation attacks? Why or why not?

 Democrats: James Buchanan  Not influenced by Kansas violence  Had few enemies  Popular Sovereignty  Republicans: Capt. John C. Fremont  Against the expansion of slavery  Roman Catholic  American Party aka. Know- Nothing: Millard Fillmore  Anti-foreign, anti-catholic  Supporter of “natives”  What were the results of this election? Why did the northerners cast their votes for the Democrats rather than the anti-slavery Republicans?

 1857: Kansas is now ready to become a state  Lecompton Constitution  Even if Kansans voted down slavery with popular sovereignty, those who currently have slaves there would be protected and could keep them.  Loophole of popular sovereignty  Supported by President Buchanan  How did Stephen Douglas feel about the Lecompton Constitution? Why?

 Example of division: 1856  Sen. Charles Sumner of Massachusetts delivers speech “The Crime Against Kansas”  Insults southern, pro-slavery states and their representatives; SC in particular (Preston Brooks)  May 22, 1856: Preston Brooks enters Sumner’s office and beats him ferociously with his cane until it breaks. Sumner in critical condition.  What did this attack demonstrate to the country?

 March 6, 1857 (Scott v. Sanford)  Scott, a black slave lived with master for 5 years in Illinois and Wisconsin territory.  With the help of abolitionists, sues for his freedom.  Chief Justice Roger B Taney (from Md., owned slaves) hands down decision  What were four elements of Justice Taney’s decision in this case?

 1858: Senate seat of Illinois  Republican: Abraham Lincoln  Democrat: Stephen Douglas  Lincoln challenges Douglas to a series of 7 debates throughout Illinois from August-October.  Most famous debate in Freeport, Ill.  What famous question did Lincoln ask Douglas in this debate?

 Douglas’ response further tore apart the Democratic party.  His answer became known as the “Freeport Doctrine”  What was the logic behind Douglas’ Freeport Doctrine?

 Stephen Douglas wins the election for the seat in Senate  Abraham Lincoln had the moral victory though.  How was this a moral victory for Lincoln based on what you know about future events?

 John Brown devises a scheme to invade a federal arsenal in Virginia and arm hundreds of slaves with weapons and lead a revolt and establish a free state for African-Americans.  In the process he and his group kill 7 innocent people.  The slaves did not rally as Brown planned and they were captured by the Marine Corp under the leadership of Lt. Col. Robert E. Lee.  What was John Brown’s fate for his actions?  How did the north view his hanging? The South?