1. causes of the civil war

3. Missouri Compromise
Year:
1820
Description:
Maine entered as a free state
Missouri entered as a slave state
Louisiana Purchase was divided along the 36 30’ N latitude line (Missouri Compromise Line)
Significance:
Kept the balance of power between free and slave states equal. (12 free and 12 Slave)

4. Compromise of 1850 Year: 1850 Description:
California enters as a free state
Territorial governments in Utah and New Mexico
Settled border dispute between Texas and US.
Abolition of slave trade in Washington DC
Added the Fugitive Slave Act
Significance:
Addressed the immediate crisis of territorial expansion
Fugitive Slave Act led to increased tensions

5. Fugitive Slave Act
Year:
1850
Description:
Any slave a certain distance from home could be jailed.
Citizens must help in the pursuit of runaway slaves.
Significance:
Enraged many Northerners.
1852 – Uncle Tom’s Cabin is published
Increased support for abolitionist movement

6. Kansas-Nebraska Act
Year:
1854
Description:
Nullified the Missouri Compromise
Left the issue of slavery up to popular sovereignty (voting).
Significance:
Led to increased tension and violence in Kansas between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces – Bleeding Kansas

7. Dred Scott v. Sandford
Year:
1857
Description:
Dred Scott was a slave who sued for his freedom because he lived most in free territories.
Significance:
Supreme Court ruled that African-Americans were not citizens of the united States and therefore could not sue in court.
Supreme Court ruled Missouri Compromise unconstitutional and that Congress could not limit the extension of slavery.

8. John Brown’s Raid on Harper’s Ferry - 1859
Year:
1859
Description:
John Brown led 21 men to capture a federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry
Wanted to destroy the slave system of the South
Was captured and hung for treason
Significance:
Increased tensions between abolitionists and pro-slavery forces