1. Challenges to Slavery 12-4
The Republican Party is Founded
A new party (Republican) is formed of: Antislavery Whigs, Northern Democrats & Free Soilers
Republicans take control in many northern states, but have NO support in the South
The Democratic party becomes the party of the South

2. Challenges to Slavery 12-4
Election of 1856
James Buchanan (Democrat)
John C. Frémont (Republican)
Millard Fillmore (Know Nothings)

3. Clearly the issue of slavery is dividing the nation…and soon it will divide the democratic party

4. Challenges to Slavery 12-4
Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott – slave who sues for his freedom
Case eventually goes to U.S. Supreme Court - landmark decision is handed down by Justices
Justice Roger B. Taney declared:
slaves not citizens
slaves didn’t have rights
slaves were property, no matter where they lived

5. Challenges to Slavery 12-4
Dred Scott decision divides the country even more
Northerners furious
Southerners thrilled
Summary

6. Lincoln – Douglas Debates
Abraham Lincoln runs against Stephen Douglas for the U.S. Senate
Douglas believed the slavery issue should be resolved by popular sovereignty
What does that mean?

7. Lincoln challenged Douglas to a series of debates on the issues
Lincoln & Douglas
Lincoln believed slavery was morally wrong, and should not be allowed to spread
Lincoln challenged Douglas to a series of debates on the issues

8. Lincoln questioned Douglas on popular sovereignty
Lincoln & Douglas
Lincoln questioned Douglas on popular sovereignty
When Douglas admitted that states could pass laws that didn’t protect slave holders he lost support from the South

9. Lincoln & Douglas
Douglas accused Lincoln of wanting equality for African Americans – which wasn’t true
Southerners began feeling threatened by Republicans – didn’t want anything or anyone to threaten slavery

10. John Brown & Harper’s Ferry
Lincoln & Douglas
What can you recall about John Brown?
John Brown & Harper’s Ferry
1859 – John Brown leads a raid on a federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, VA
Brown wanted to arm the slaves so they could rebel

11. Brown and his men (including two of his sons) were defeated
Lincoln & Douglas
Brown and his men (including two of his sons) were defeated
Brown and others that survived the attack were tried, convicted and hanged for insurrection and treason
Brown was called a martyr because he died for his cause
Brown’s actions made the South fear the North even more
Summary