1. 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 &

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?

3. 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?

4. 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

5. Kansas-Nebraska Act

6. 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?

7. 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…”

8. John Brown & Harper’s Ferry
October 16, 1859
Aim: seize federal arsenal & start slave uprising
Result: Rebellion smashed, Brown executed
North and South react

9. 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

10. 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?