Road to the Civil War Presentation PDF

ROAD TO THE CIVIL WAR Compromise of 1850 California Admitted as a Free State Popular sovereignty in Utah and New Mexico Territories Abolition of the Slave Trade in Washington, D.C. Settling the Texas-New Mexico Border Dispute Stronger Fugitive Slave Law- The FUGITIV...

ROAD TO THE CIVIL WAR Compromise of 1850 California Admitted as a Free State Popular sovereignty in Utah and New Mexico Territories Abolition of the Slave Trade in Washington, D.C. Settling the Texas-New Mexico Border Dispute Stronger Fugitive Slave Law- The FUGITIVE SLAVE ACT Uncle Toms Cabin Published By 1952 Harriet Beecher Stowe Uncle Tom’s Cabin, written by Harriet Beecher Stowe and published in 1852, is one of the most influential novels in American history. The book played a critical role in shaping public opinion about the horros of slavery in the United States, particularly in the years leading up to the Civil War (1861–1865). Kansas - Nebraksa Act of 1854 The Kansas-Nebraska Act, passed in 1854, was a controversial law that allowed the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves whether to permit slavery through popular sovereignty (voting by residents). It was introduced by Senator Stephen A. Douglas to facilitate the construction of a transcontinental railroad but had far-reaching political consequences. Established Popular Sovereignty – Instead of Congress deciding, settlers in Kansas and Nebraska would vote on whether to allow slavery. Led to "Bleeding Kansas" – Violent clashes erupted between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers, as both sides tried to influence the vote. Formation of the Republican Party (1854) The Republican Party was founded in 1854 in response to the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed the expansion of slavery through popular sovereignty. The party emerged as a coalition of anti-slavery Whigs, Free Soilers, and Northern Democrats, united by their opposition to the spread of slavery into new territories. Collapse of the Whig Party: The Whigs, divided over slavery, lost political influence, leaving an opening for a new party. Anti-Slavery Movement: The growing abolitionist movement and backlash against the Dred Scott Decision (1857) further solidified Republican support. Core Beliefs of the Early Republican Party Opposition to the Expansion of Slavery – The party did not initially call for the abolition of slavery in existing states but opposed its spread into new territories. Support for Northern Industry and Infrastructure – Advocated for economic modernization, including railroads, tariffs, and free homesteads. Commitment to "Free Soil, Free Labor, Free Men" – Emphasized the belief that free labor was superior to slave labor for economic and moral reasons. Bleeding Kansas 1855 As a series of violent conflicts in the Kansas Territory between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers. It was a direct result of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which allowed residents to decide whether slavery would be permitted through popular sovereignty. Both abolitionists and pro-slavery forces flooded the territory to sway the vote, leading to intense political and physical battles. 1855 – Fraudulent Elections: Thousands of pro-slavery Missourians, known as "Border Ruffians," illegally voted in Kansas elections, leading to a pro-slavery government. 1856 – Sack of Lawrence: Pro-slavery forces attacked the free-state town of Lawrence, Kansas, destroying buildings and printing presses. 1856 – Pottawatomie Massacre: In retaliation, abolitionist John Brown and his followers killed five pro-slavery settlers. Ongoing Violence (1856–1859): Guerrilla warfare continued between anti-slavery "Free-Staters" and pro-slavery forces. Dred Scott Decision (1857) The Dred Scott v. Sandford decision, issued by the U.S. Supreme Court on March 6, 1857, was one of the most controversial rulings in American history. The case involved Dred Scott, an enslaved man who sued for his freedom after living in free territories with his enslaver. Key Rulings by the Supreme Court African Americans Were Not Citizens – The Court ruled that Black individuals, free or enslaved, were not U.S. citizens and therefore had no right to sue in federal court. Slaves Were Property – The decision stated that enslaved people were property, and Congress had no power to deprive a citizen of their property rights. Missouri Compromise Was Unconstitutional – The ruling invalidated the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which had prohibited slavery in certain territories, declaring it unconstitutional because it restricted property rights. Harpers Ferry Raid - 1859 The Harpers Ferry Raid, led by abolitionist John Brown, took place from October 16–18, 1859, in Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia). It was an armed attempt to incite a slave rebellion by seizing a federal arsenal. John Brown and 21 followers (including Black and white men) raided the Harpers Ferry federal armory, aiming to distribute weapons to enslaved people and spark an uprising. Brown’s men captured several hostages, including prominent townspeople. However, local militias and U.S. Marines, led by Colonel Robert E. Lee, quickly surrounded the raiders. After a 36-hour siege, Brown was wounded and captured by Lee’s forces. Ten of his men were killed, including two of his sons. Brown was tried for treason, murder, and inciting rebellion. He was found guilty and hanged on December 2, 1859. Election of 1860: Abraham Lincoln’s Victory In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was the Republican nominee for president. The Democrats were divided and selected a northern and southern candidate. The two Democratic candidates campaigned while Lincoln sat back quietly. Lincoln was elected President on November 6, 1860. His election alarmed Southern states who felt the President would not support slavery or states rights so they began to succed from the Union