Causes of the Civil War
Missouri Compromise of 1820 2 parts 1. North 1. South Maine = Free Missouri = Slave 2. 36 30’ = No slavery North of this line in the Louisiana Territory *Southern border of Missouri* Accomplishment: Balanced Power in Senate 11 Free States – 11 Slaves States But it only solves problem temporarily ( : : : [ ] : : : )
Nat Turner’s rebellion caused lots of panic in the South
Nat Turner’s Rebellion, 1831 A Slave Wanted to abolish slavery Sign from God Killed many whites (at least 60) Results Turner hanged Life got harder for slaves in the South Slaves Codes (Laws)
Life became much harder for slaves
Compromise of 1850 4 parts North South 1. CA = Free 3. Fugitive Slave Law 2. Washington D.C. 4. Rest of Mexican Cession No more slave trade decide by Popular Sovereignty *Major Accomplishment: Balanced power in Senate 15 Free States – 15 Slave States Only solves the problem temporarily ( : : : [ ] : : : )
A great book caused great controversy This book not only told people about the evils of slavery, it showed them…and many didn’t like what they read
Uncle Tom’s Cabin, 1852 Harriet Beecher Stowe – author Told about cruelty of slave Over 300,000 copies sold North – loved it South – hated it Result Controversy/disagreement Convinced more people that slavery was wrong
Kansas – Nebraska Act, 1854 Kansas and Nebraska wanted to become states Popular Sovereignty = People Vote Each state would decide. . . slave or free? Majority Wins . . . But one side always loses Result: More Conflict . . . Bloody Kansas
Meet Dred Scott
Dred Scott Case, 1857 Abolitionist Lawyers helped Dred Scott sue for his freedom Went to Supreme Court Decision: Slaves are NOT U.S. Citizens No rights, therefore can’t sue Slaves = Property Results = The North was FURIOUS!
John Brown then…and now
John Brown, 1859 White Abolitionist who killed whites to end slavery Thought he was sent from God to abolish slavery Harpers Ferry Arsenal = holds weapons Plan: steal weapons – arm slaves – revolt Result: Caught – Hanged for his crime Brown = Martyr (dying for your cause)
“I, John Brown, am quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away, but with blood.”
Mr. Abraham Lincoln Mr. Stephen Douglas Republican candidate for Senate in 1858 Mr. Stephen Douglas Democratic candidate for Senate in 1858
Lincoln – Douglas Debate, 1858 The Hot Topic of the debate *SLAVERY* Republican Position: Stop spread of slavery in the West Northern Democrat Position: Popular Sovereignty, let the people vote and decide…slave or free
Lincoln – Douglas Debate, 1860 “A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free . . . .” “Slavery is not the only question which comes up in this controversy. There is a far more important one . . . what shall be done with the free negro?”
Lincoln – Douglas Debate, 1860 Lincoln wins. . . Gets 40% of the votes Result = South secedes OR South separates from Union
South Secedes!
The Battle of Fort Sumter
Secession - Battle at Fort Sumter, 1861 1st to secede, South Carolina . . . 10 more states follow South is a new nation called - Confederate States of America 1st battle Fort Sumter April 12, 1861 Charleston, South Carolina Result = War has begun
Americans against Americans! The Civil War has begun . . . Americans against Americans!