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Gabriel Prosser
Gabriel Prosser's attempt to lead a slave rebellion in Richmond, Virginia is suppressed. For this reason he and 25 other enslaved blacks got hanged. -
Importation of slaves is banned.
The importation of slaves into the United States is banned; this is also the earliest day under the United States Constitution that an amendment could be made restricting slavery. -
The Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise allows for the entry as states of Maine and Missouri, and decides which future states slavery would be allowed in. -
Denmark Vesey's slave rebellion
Denmark Vesey's slave rebellion in Charleston, South Carolina is suppressed. The word that he was doing a rebellion spread and he was arrested. -
David Walker's publication
David Walker begins publication of the abolitionist pamphlet Walker's Appeal. -
Nat Turner
Nat Turner leads the most successful slave rebellion in U.S. history. The rebellion is suppressed, but only after many deaths. -
Revolt on the La Amistad
Slaves revolt on the La Amistad, resulting in a Supreme Court case. The ensuing, widely publicized court cases in the United States helped the abolitionist movement. -
Fugitive Slave Act of 1850
As part of the Compromise of 1850, Congress passes the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 which requires any federal official to arrest anyone suspected of being a runaway slave. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin is published.
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe is published. This book was a huge controversy to slavery. -
Dred Scott v. Sandford
In Dred Scott v. Sandford, the Supreme Court upholds slavery. This decision is regarded as a key cause of the American Civil War.
