-
Period: to
Abraham Lincoln
He was the 16th president of the United States. He thought that the succession of states from the union to be illegal. He was willing to use force in an attempt to protect not only the law, but the union as well. By 1863 Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation declaring all slaves free -
Missouri Compromise
The compromise kept balance between pro and anti-slavery states. By allowing as a free state, Missouri was able to become a pro-slavery state. This created tension between the north and south because the north did not like that congress could aid in the expansion of slavery. This becomes an argument of power. -
Compromise of 1850
After the Mexican-American War disputes of slave trade arose. The compromise admitted California as a free state and created the Utah and New Mexico territories. All in an attempt to advert the crisis between the north and the south. -
Fugitive Slave Law
This law was passed for the capture and return of runaway slaves within the territory. It was first enacted by local governments to seize and return runaways. By the time of the Constitution Convention, many northern states became safe havens for runaway slaves. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska act allowed people in the territories to decide if slavery was allowed within their borders. This act served to repeal the Missouri compromise which prohibited slavery in the north. Northerners disagreed with the act while many in the south strongly supported it. -
Election of 1860
Abraham Lincoln defeats all other candidates in the Presidential election. Ultimately the campaign came down to the spilt of northern and southern states because slavery. After Lincoln wins, 7 southern states seceded setting the foundation of the Civil War. -
Battle of Gettysburg
Robert E. Lee advances his men into Pennsylvania and are met General George G. Meade and his men sparking the battle. Union soldiers held fast as Lee and his men advanced in an assault known as "Pickett's Charge" which later fails and sends federal soldiers retreating. Casualties ranged to about 50,000 men in all. -
Battle of Antietam
Robert E. Lee and George McClellan with their armies faced off in battle near antietam creek located in Sharpsburg, Maryland. Casualties ranged to about 22,000.This was the first battle fought on northerner soil. After a string of union victories, this battle gave Abraham Lincoln enough foundation to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Rather than abolishing slavery Abraham Lincoln wanted to preserve the union. Once slaves joined the northern armies he soon realized abolishing slavery was the correct path to take. The emancipation proclamation declared slaves in the rebellious states would be free. It did not free a single slave, yet it was a major turning point in the civil war.