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Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was a network that of people, many of which were African-american, offering shelter and aid to escaped slaves. While the exact dates of its operation are not known, it is said to have been operated anywhere from the late 18th century to the start of the Civil War. The Underground Railroad was formed as a convergence of secret efforts at the time to free slaves.
http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/underground-railroad -
Invention of the Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney patented the cotton gin in 1794. This machine sped up the process of removing seed from cotton fiber. Cotton then became the leading export of America.
http://www.history.com/topics/inventions/cotton-gin-and-eli-whitney -
Missouri Compromise
In 1819, Missouri requested admission into statehood in which slavery would be permitted. Allowing slavery would tip the scale of free to slave states into the slavery direction, and so sectional and political rivalries formed. Having more slave than free states would make the American government look like they support the expansion of slavery.
http://www.history.com/topics/missouri-compromise -
The Nullification Crisis
The Tariff of 1828 raised taxes on imported manufactures in order to reduce foreign competition with the US manufacturing industry. Southerners argued that it enhanced the interests of the Northern manufacturing, at their expense. Southerners threatened to secede from the nation.
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-us-history/period-4/apush-age-of-jackson/a/the-nullification-crisis -
Nat Turner's Rebellion
Nathanial “Nat” Turner was a black American slave who led the only successful slave rebellion in the history of the United States. On August 21,1831, Nat and six other slaves killed their slave owners, secured firearms and horses, and enlisted about 75 other slaves in a disorganized insurrection that resulted in the murder of 51 white people. After 6 weeks, fifty-six blacks accused of participating in Nat Turner's rebellion were found and executed, and more than 200 other blacks were beaten. -
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The Liberator is Published
William Lloyd Garrison was the voice for Abolitionism. In 1831, he published the first edition of his work, The Liberator. In 1833, he met with delegates from all over the United States in order to form the American Anti-Slavery Society. -
Wilmot Proviso
The Wilmot Proviso was designed to end slavery in the land that had been acquired after the Mexican War. This movement was blocked by the southern-dominated Senate. However, it contributed to the growing controversy over slavery. -
Compromise act of 1850
The compromise act of 1850 was an attempt to compromise the conflicts between the North and South. They got rid of slave trade in Washington. A fugitive slave act was created. -
Uncle Toms Cabin is published
Harriet Beecher Stowe publishes an anti-slavery novel called Uncle Tom’s Cabin 1852. It sold 300,000 copies within 3 months. This novel majorly influenced how the American public viewed slavery. -
Bloody Kansas
Also known as the Border War, was based on politics. It was fought between pro and antislavery regions for control of Kansas under popular sovereignty. Guerrilla bands were formed in Kansas and from Missouri. Many acts of violence took place such as the creation of mobs and burning of a hotel and newspaper company along with two battles and keeping prisoners. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
This act was passed by the U.S congress. Citizens of Nebraska and Kansas were able to make their own decision on whether or not to allow slavery. -
Brooks-Sumner Event
A congressmen named Preston Brooks went into the Senators Chamber looking for Senator Sumner. Brooks beat Sumner with a gold tipped wooden cane. He beat Sumner until his cane broke into pieces. The debate of slavery caused this and people who supported Sumner thought of him as a hero. [ushistory.org](www.ushistory.org/us/31e.asp) -
Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott was a slave who wanted freedom through Americas legal system. The U.S Supreme Court denied his wishes. They told him anyone with African blood could not be a citizen. The case contributed to the voting of Abraham Lincoln as president. -
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas discussed issues about slavery and states rights. They both were running for U.S Senate from Illinois. Lincoln was Republican and Stephen a Democrat. [smithsonianmag.com](www.smithsonianmag.com/h) -
John Browns Raid upon Harpers Ferry
An effort by John Brown to hold a slave raid taking over the U.S at Harpers Ferry Virginia. John believed an armed confrontation was the only way to get a point across. His attack didn't work. -
Election of 1860
Election where Abe Lincoln won against John Breckenridge and John Bell. Politics were split at this time based mostly on views of slavery. This election set foundation of civil war.
[history.com](www.history.com/this-day-in-history) -
Secession of Southern States
4 states leave the union. The states joined the Confederacy. The government said that the Confederacy was not of the law.
[ushistory.org](www.ushistory.org/us/32e.asp) -
Fort Sumter is fired upon
Civil warfare in America breaks out after Confederates fire upon Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor in South Carolina. The fort caused tension between the Union and Confederacy for several months prior to the attack. South Carolina seceded on December 20, 1860, so the state demanded the fort be turned over but Union officials refused to let this happen. This triggered the tension between the two sides of the war.
