Final Steps to War

As anti- and pro-slavery forces clashed out west, Southerners began to clash with laws passed by Congress Southerners argued that individual states could nullify (reject) laws passed by the Congress

Southerners also began to insist that states had entered the Union freely and could leave (secede) freely if they chose.

Republican Party Formed in 1854 by abolitionists Main Goal –End Slavery in the United States

Dred Scott Slave who moved to a free state with his master Sued for his freedom when master moved to Missouri (slave state)

Dred Scott vs Sanford Supreme Court ruled that slaves were not citizens and do not have any rights in America

Blacks "had no rights which the white man was bound to respect; and that the negro might justly and lawfully be reduced to slavery for his benefit. He was bought and sold and treated as an ordinary article of merchandise and traffic, whenever profit could be made by it." –Chief Justice Roger Taney

Fallout from Dred Scott Case Declared all slavery compromises Unconstitutional Made Slavery legal in all states and territories in US Biggest setback to abolitionist movement

Lincoln-Douglas Debates (1858) Series of debates for Illinois Senate Seat

Abraham Lincoln Republican Slavery should be abolished in all states

Abraham Lincoln A house divided against itself cannot stand. The nation could not continue half- free, half-slave. The issue must be resolved.

Stephen Douglas Northern Democrat Popular Sovereignty should decide the issue of slavery

Results of Debates Douglas won the election Lincoln became a popular national politician because of his views on Slavery Lincoln would run for President in 1860

Election of 1860 Lincoln won; received 40% of vote Southerners knew Lincoln would try to end slavery South Carolina seceded from union (US)

Election of other southern states seceded Seceding states formed Confederate States of America (C.S.A) in 1861 Lincoln was willing to use force to re-unite the country