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Kansas-Nebraska Act
It allowed people in Kansas and Nebraska to decide if they wanted slavery to be allowed or not. There were many violent conflicts between the two sides. Kansas eventually entered as a free state in 1861.
http://www.historyplace.com/lincoln/kansas.htm -
Dredd Scott Decision
Dredd Scott tried to sue for freedom when he travelled onto free land with his owner. The court rejected his appeal and said he was not a citizen and therefore could not sue.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Dred-Scott-decision -
Senate Race
Lincoln lost to Stephen Douglas, but the race helped Lincoln gain national attention. His beliefs became well known throughout the country. -
Election of 1860
Abraham Lincoln becomes president. He was well known for his views against slavery. His victory further raised tension between the northern and souther states. -
Southern States Secede
South Carolina becomes the first state to secede and officially seceded on December 20, 1860. Others joined and eventually formed the Confederate States of America. They formed their own government as well as their own constitution. -
Attack on Fort Sumter
When Union troops refused to surrender to Confederates, shots were fired. The federal troops eventually surrendered. This attack was the start of a civil war.
https://www.civilwar.org/learn/civil-war/battles/fort-sumter
