The Road to the American Civil War

The Road to the Civil War

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850

• Northerners were angry about the law because it required them to assist in the capture and return of escaped slaves, violating their personal liberties and morals.
• The law allowed slave catchers to pursue and capture escaped slaves in the North, causing widespread resentment.

The Dred Scott Decision

• The Supreme Court ruled that slaves were not citizens and had no right to sue in court, denying them equal protection under the law.
• The decision declared that Congress had no power to regulate slavery in the territories, leading to a rise in tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.

John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry

• John Brown's raid failed because he underestimated the strength of the federal troops and the local militia, leading to his capture and eventual execution.
• Brown's raid was an attempt to spark a slave rebellion and create a free state in the South.

President Lincoln's Inaugural Address

• President Lincoln declared that the Union must be preserved and that secession was not a viable option for states wanting to leave the Union.
• He emphasized that the Union was perpetual and that the Constitution did not provide for its dissolution.

The Impact of the Civil War on Northern Industries

• The war stimulated industrial growth in the North, as factories produced war materials, uniforms, and other supplies.
• The war also led to the development of new technologies and manufacturing processes.

Execution of John Brown

• John Brown was executed by hanging for treason against the state of Virginia for his attempted raid on Harpers Ferry.

Abolitionist Beliefs

• Abolitionists believed that slavery was morally wrong and incompatible with American democratic values.
• They advocated for the immediate and complete emancipation of all slaves.