The 12 Steps to Civil War

Step 1: Slavery Strong issue in 1800’s Political & Social issue between the North & South North against it & South was for it Split the country

Step 2: Missouri Compromise Passed in 1820 Kept balance of power between slave & free states-11 free/11 slave states until Missouri applied for statehood Missouri admitted as slave; Maine as free. Worked for a short time Tensions grew as war with Mexico in 1846 brought land

Step 3: Fugitive Slave Law From Compromise of 1850 Helped slave owners recapture runaways Rewards provided for returned slaves No arrest warrant needed Angered Northerners Citizens must assist owner

Step 4: Compromise of 1850 Law passed by Congress to settle tensions between slave & free states Thought to save the Union by making compromises California admitted as free For Mexican Cession, use popular sovereignty Worked for 10 years

Step 5: Uncle Tom’s Cabin 1852 Novel written by Harriet Beecher Stowe Revealed evils of slavery Popular in the North, but South was angry; felt it was a lie

Step 6: Kansas-Nebraska Act 1854 Made territories & gave citizens right to decide on slavery –popular sovereignty Belief was it would stop the fighting caused by the Fugitive Slave Law Got rid of the Missouri Compromise Caused violent fighting in Kansas/Nebraska

Step 7: Dred Scott Decision 1856 Slave, Scott, sued for freedom in Missouri because he had lived as a slave in free territories 1857 Case went to Supreme Court; they ruled against Scott--he was property Enraged North because could extend slavery

Step 8: John Brown’s Raid 1859 Brown captured arsenal and inspired slaves to fight for freedom Harper’s Ferry, VA was captured by Brown & 17 followers; quickly defeated All killed/captured by Lee; Brown was tried & hanged North--Brown was a hero

Step 9: Lincoln’s Election 1860 Lincoln (a Republican) vs. Breckinridge North supported Lincoln & they had more voters; Lincoln also won because Democratic party split Lincoln advocated abolition -- Emancipation Proclamation 1863

Step 10: Confederate States 1860’s Southern states starting to secede: South Carolina was 1st to leave The Confederate States of America was formed Jefferson Davis became the Confederate President Drafted their own constitution bases on states’ rights

Step 11: Fort Sumter April 12, 1861: first battle of the Civil War No casualties, only wounded Confederate victory SC attacks Union fort; Union fights back

Ulysses S. Grant Union-North Step 12: Civil War 1861-1865 Massive loss of life The bloodiest war in US history Grant (North) Lee (South) Ulysses S. Grant Union-North Confederate-South