Violence Begins

Violence begins After the passage of the Kansas Nebraska Act, the KS territory began to get lots of attention 1200 New Englanders moved to Kansas to prevent slavery from becoming legal. Aka “Free soilers” Many proslavery settlers from MO crossed into KS territory to vote illegally in territorial elections

Violence begins In Lawrence, KS, Southerners clashed with free-soilers John Brown, an anti slavery advocate, killed five men with swords in front of their families to protest the attack on free soilers in Lawrence. The violence b/n opposing groups earned KS territory the nickname; “Bleeding Kansas”

Violence begins After Senator Charles Sumner of MA gave a speech titled, “The Crime Against Kansas”, a Southern politician named Preston Brooks beat him with a cane

Slavery and National politics Election of 1856 – Democrats nominated James Buchanan. – Dems continued to support the Compromise of 1850 and the KS-NE Act – Although Republicans had strong Northern support, Buchanan won the election

Slavery and National politics Dred Scott, an enslaved man from MO, filed suit against his owner. Scott argued that because he and his wife had once lived in states and territories where slavery was illegal, the couple was in fact free. The Supreme Court held that slaves were not citizens of the US and did not have the right to sue in court. This decision also declared the MO compromise unconstitutional

The Le Compton Constitution In 1857, a proslavery group in KS elected members to a convention to write their own constitution. The constitution was named after the proslavery capital of Lecompton. Most people of KS refused to vote on the constitution when it was offered for their approval People voted against the Constitution when it was returned from Congress in 1858

Lincoln-Douglas Debates 1858 Senate election Campaign drew nation wide attention when Douglas and Lincoln met in a series of debates on the issue of slavery in the territories Douglas felt white Americans were superior and had an absolute right to choose the kind of society they wanted

Lincoln-Douglas Debates Lincoln – Born in KY – Studied law – Served one term in Congress in 1840s Debates highlighted – Majority rules – Minority rights

Lincoln-Douglas Debates Douglas supported popular sovereignty Lincoln felt the majority did not have the right to deny the minority their rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness Lincoln felt slavery was morally wrong. During the debates he cited both the Bible and the Declaration of Independence Lincoln lost the election

John Brown Harpers Ferry Raid- John Brown and 22 men attacked the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, VA They hoped to seize the arms in the arsenal to help enslaved people to rise up against their masters Col. Robert E. Lee ended the siege at Harpers Ferry Brown was executed for treason