1. Toward Civil War- The Last Phase (1856-1861)
J.A.SACCO

2. 1856 Presidential Election
James Buchanan John C. Frémont Millard Fillmore Democrat Republican Know-Nothing √

3. 1856 Election Results

4. “The Backbone of a Chocolate Éclair”
The inept Buchanan Administration would be the final ingredient to secession. His lack of leadership would lead the country to Civil War.

5. Lecompton Constitution
Pres. Buchanan allowed the situation in Kansas to turn into disorder.
First challenge was to decide whether or not to accept a pro-slavery constitution submitted by Southern leaders at Lecompton, Kansas.
Convention Stage: Urged by Buchanan to apply for statehood, an election is held to elect members for a constitutional convention in Kansas whose purpose is to draw up a constitution.
Anti-Slavery members walk out because the election is rigged.
This allows pro-slavery forces to draw up a constitution allowing slavery.

6. Lecompton Constitution
Voting State: Pro-slavery constitution needs to be approved by the people (popular sovereignty) of Kansas.
Voters accept the constitution (was it rigged?)
Buchanan accepts the vote as valid- (possibly to pay back his Southern supporters.
Goes to Congress for approval.
Congressional Approval Stage: Blocked in House of Reps. Stephen Douglas doesn’t even approve it. (WHY?) Q. How does this decision by Douglas affect his career?

7. Lecompton Constitution

8. Effects of Lecompton Controversy
Eventually another vote is held by the people of Kansas that overwhelmingly rejects slavery in the state. Kansas becomes a free state in 1861.
EFFECTS?
Situation hurt the image of Buchanan.
Douglas lost a great deal of Southern Democratic support.

9. Dred Scott v. Sanford, 1857
Second challenge of Buchanan would be in a decision to allow slavery in the new territories. Weak President. Would allow the Supreme Court to make the decision.
Since the court was composed of a Southern majority (Roger Taney), Southerners hoping for a favorable decision.

10. Dred Scott v. Sanford, 1857
Dred Scott

11. Effects of Dred Scott?
Southerners delighted- would allow slavery in any territory.
Northerners saw it as a plot between Buchanan and the South- Buchanan a puppet of the South.
Main focus of the Republican Party unconstitutional.
Douglas’ popular sovereignty unconstitutional
Decision angered Northern Democrats- Many join the Republican Party.
Southerners threaten secession if North doesn't abide by decision.

12. Panic of 1857 Economic downturn hurt business conditions.
Caused by an inflated gold supply after the Gold Rush and of railroads and real estate- over speculation.
Unemployment increased, grain prices decrease due to oversupply, cotton prices decrease but soon recover.
How did the Panic of 1857 contribute to tension between the North and South?

13. Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Series of debates for senator of Illinois.
Abraham Lincoln
successful trial lawyer
Illinois Congressman
Stephen Douglas
Incumbent
Champion of popular sovereignty

14. Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Lincoln delivers- “House divided speech”.
Southern Democrats see Lincoln as a radical.
Douglas gives his response on slavery in the new territories called the “Freeport Doctrine”.
Douglas’ response would cost him more Southern Democratic support.
Lincoln loses the election.

15. John Brown’s Raid (Oct.16, 1859) Madman, Hero or Martyr?
Effect of John Brown’s raid on the North and South?

16. The Democratic Party in the Election 1860
After John Brown’s Raid- Democrats last hope for keeping nation together.
1st convention in Charleston, SC- Douglas seemed to be leading but nomination blocked by Buchanan and Southern Democrats.
2nd convention in Baltimore, MD- Slave state delegates walked out- Douglas gets nomination- stands on popular sovereignty and enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act.
3rd convention- Southern Democrats hold their own convention and nominate John C. Breckinridge (KY)- unrestricted expansion of slavery and the annexation of Cuba.
Stephen Douglas
Northern Democrat
John C. Breckinridge
Southern Democrat

17. Republican Party Platform in 1860
Non-extension of slavery for the Free-Soilers.
Protective tariff for the Northern Industrialists.
No abridgment of rights for immigrants, a disappointment for the “Know-Nothings”.
Government aid to build
a Pacific RR for the Northwest.
Internal improvements, for the West,
at federal expense.
Free homesteads for the
public domain for farmers.
Why Lincoln?

18. The Constitutional-Union Party
Former Whigs, Know-Nothings, moderate Democrats
Enforce laws and the Constitution, keep the Union together
Select John Bell from Tennessee
John Bell

19. 1860 Presidential Election
√ Abraham Lincoln Republican
John Bell Constitutional Union
1860 Presidential Election
Stephen A. Douglas Northern Democrat
John C. Breckinridge Southern Democrat

20. 1860 Election: A Nation Coming Apart?!

21. 1860
Election
Results

22. Secession!
After Lincoln elected, SC, AL,FL,GA,LA, MS,TX secede. Stand on “states rights”.

23. Lincoln in the Thick of It?
Situation will deteriorate by March when Lincoln takes office.

24. The Crittenden Compromise- A Last Ditch Appeal to Sanity
Issued after SC secedes.
Constitutional amendment guaranteeing slavery forever without interference.
Congress can’t interfere with intrastate slave trade.
Compensate slave owners for unrecovered slaves.
Extend Missouri Compromise line west to the Pacific Ocean.
Sen. John J. Crittenden (KY)

25. Fort Sumter: April 12, 1861