U.S. Slavery Compromises and Dred Scott Case

Allowed residents of Kansas and Nebraska to decide whether or not to allow slavery through popular vote.

The violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers in Kansas. These conflicts escalated tensions and bloodshed, earning the territory the name 'Bleeding Kansas'.

A pivotal election where Abraham Lincoln, opposed to slavery expansion, won the presidency. This victory triggered the secession of Southern states, leading to the Civil War.

Strongly opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories. His victory in the 1860 election led to the secession of Southern states.

Southern states' decision to withdraw from the Union, primarily due to fears of Lincoln's presidency and its implications for slavery.

A law passed in 1820 to maintain balance between free and slave states in the U.S. Senate. Missouri was admitted as a slave state, balanced by Maine's admission as a free state. It also established the 36°30' parallel, permitting slavery south of it but banning it north, except in Missouri.

A compromise made in 1850 to resolve tensions over slavery in new territories acquired after the Mexican-American War. California was admitted as a free state, the Fugitive Slave Act was strengthened, and popular sovereignty allowed residents of Utah & New Mexico to decide on slavery.

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1857 that declared enslaved people were not considered citizens and therefore had no right to sue in federal court. This effectively overturned the Missouri Compromise by opening up new territories to slavery.

A key provision of the Compromise of 1850 that required citizens to capture and return runaway enslaved people, even if they lived in free states. It was controversial in the North and fueled tensions between the states.

The principle that allowed residents of new territories to decide whether or not to permit slavery within their borders. It was a key part of the Compromise of 1850.

The line that divided the U.S. territories into free and slave states, established by the Missouri Compromise of 1820. Slavery was permitted south of the line and banned north of it.

The state that was admitted as a slave state under the Missouri Compromise of 1820. Its admission shifted the balance of power in the U.S. Senate toward slave states.

The state that was admitted as a free state under the Missouri Compromise of 1820 to counterbalance Missouri's admission as a slave state. This helped maintain the balance of power between free and slave states in the Senate.