-
Wilmot Proviso
David Wilmot introduces the Proviso banning slavery in the Mexican cession. -
Period: to
The Sectional Crisis
-
Free-Soil
Party is founded. -
Zachary Taylor (Whig)
Elected president, defeating Lewis Cass (dem.) and Martin Van Buren (free-soil). -
Compromise
Congress debates sectional issues and enacts Compromis of 1850. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Is published by Harriet Beecher Stowe. -
Franklin Pierce (democrat)
Elected president by a large majority over Winfield Scott (whig). -
Kansas-Nebrask Act
Passed by Congress repealing the Missouri Compromise. -
Republican
Party founded in several northern states. -
Anti-Nebraska
Coalations score victories in congressional elections in the North. -
Know-Nothing
Party achieves stunning successes in state politics. -
Bloody Sumner
Preston Brooks assaults Charles Sumner on the Senate floor. -
James Buchanan
Wins presidency despite stong challenge in the North from John C. Fremont. -
Bloody Sumner
Preston Brooks assaults Charles Sumner on the Senate floor. -
Kansas Territory
Free-state and slave-state forces struggle for control of Kansas Territory. -
Dred Scott case
Decision made and slavery is legalized in all territories. -
The Great Debate
Lincoln and Douglas debate slavery in Illinois. -
Refusal to the Union
Congress refuses to admit Kansas to Union under the proslavery Lecomption Constitution. -
Harpers Ferry
Is raided by John Brown who is captured and executed. -
Speaker struggle
Fierce struggle takes place over election of a Republican as speaker of the House. -
Abraham Lincoln
Republicans nominate Abe Lincoln as president. -
Democrats split
Democratic party splits into northern and southern factions with seperate candidates and platforms.