The Long Road To War 1820 -1861

The Long Road To War 1820 -1861

The Missouri Compromise 1820 n Desire to maintain a balance Missouri admitted as a slave state n Maine admitted as a free state n All Louisiana territory north of Missouri’s southern boarder will remain free (ex Missouri) n Eased Tension n

Mexican-American War n Texas had gained independence in 1836 – wanted to be annexed (Slave) n n n North didn’t want another slave state Mexico was not willing to give up all claims 1846 -1848 Mexican American War n US Won n n Recognized US Annexation of Texas Mexico agreed to sell California & rest of territory north of Rio Grande for 15 million

California n n The US had Acquired a large amount of territory in the Mexican American war – Would it be slave or free? Threatened the sectional balance Gold Rush: Gold was discovered in 1848 at Sutter’s Mill (Sacramento) 1849, masses of adventurers came to northern California. Gold essentially paved the way for rapid economic growth in California By 1850, California’s population had grown from 14, 000 to over 100, 000.

New Mexico and Utah n Also seemed to be leaning toward being free states. n Would tip the balance of slave/free states

The Compromise of 1850 n n Texas had to relinquish land claims and would be compensated $10 mill. to pay off debt to Mexico. New Mexico & Utah territories would be organized with no reference to slavery. n n Citizens would decide later. – Popular Sovereignty Slave Trade would be abolished in DC, but slavery would be permitted.

The Compromise of 1850 n California would be admitted as a free state. Fugitive Slave Law Passed Required citizens to assist in the recover of fugitive slaves n Denied a fugitive slave the right to trial by jury n More federal officials responsible for enforcing the law n n Decreased AND Increased tensions.

Broadside dated August 4, 1853, announcing a reward for the apprehension and return of a runaway slave named Emily who belonged to Thomas H. Williams from near Lewisburg, Mason County, Kentucky.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin 1852 Harriet Beecher Stowe n Told the story of a black slave and the conditions of slavery in the south. n Exposed many to the way of life. n

Gadsden Purchase (1853) n n U. S. concerned that new territory inaccessible by land Debate: should the future transcontinental railroad route run through the North or South? n n n Too costly to build two railroad simultaneously Enormous benefits to the region receiving it. 1853, U. S. purchased Mesilla Valley from Santa Anna for $10 million. South now had the advantage regarding the railroad. North rushed to organize Nebraska territory but Southerners blocked it.

Kansas/Nebraska Act 1854 n Most important short term cause of war n n Slave or Free? n n Wanted to set up the land so for a Northern RR Overturned the Missouri Compromise and decided on “Popular Sovereignty” Increased Tension & use of the Underground RR

Bleeding Kansas Mid 1850 s n Result of Kansas-Nebraska act n Supporters of Slavery and Abolition cross boarder to vote in the state n 2 governments formed n Fighting broke out between the groups many people killed n Increased Tension n

Violence in the Senate n n May 1856 Charles Sumner n n Preston Brooks n n Made a speech on the Senate floor about how Kansas should be admitted to union. He made several personal insults about Senator A. P. Butler (not present) Nephew of Butler came into the senate and beat Sumner with his cane Brooks retired but was reelected in a special election. Divided nation who saw it as symbolic of the slave issue Increased Tension

Anti-Slavery Political Parties n Republican party formed as a direct reaction to the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska act. n n n Mid 1850 s American or “Know Nothing” Party formed n n Called for a repeal of K-N act and Fugitive slave law Mainly North and Western moderates Nativist reaction to waves of immigration (German & Irish) Lost influence as sectionalism became more important Increased Tensions

Dred Scott Decision 1857 n n n Dred Scott had been held as a slave in Missouri and taken to Wisconsin Territory. He argued his period on free soil made him a free citizen. Court found against Scott n n Scott was not a citizen, therefore could not sue Congress did not have the power to deprive people of property and slaves were property, therefore it was illegal to exclude slavery in the territory The Missouri Compromise was seen as unconstitutional Increased Tensions

Lincoln-Douglas Debate 1858 n Stephen Douglas campaigning for re-election as the democratic senator for Illinois n Opposing him was Abraham Lincoln Republican. n A house divided against itself cannot stand. . . I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. n n Not an abolitionist but against the expansion of slavery. Increased Tension

Harpers Ferry n n n 1859 John Brown tried to start a Slave uprising in Virginia with his sons and a small group of followers. Wanted to use the guns at the Harpers Ferry arsenal to arm the slaves. Federal troops under Robert E. Lee capture him Convicted of treason he and six of his followers were hung. Increased Tension

Lincoln is Elected n n n 1860 Final event that triggered the south to leave the Union. Democratic vote split between Breckinridge (s) and Douglas (n) Republicans nominated Lincoln with a moderate platform Fourth party the Constitutional Union who nominated John Bell n n (former Whigs Know Nothings and moderate Democrats who feared a Republican victory) Increased Tension