Unit 05: A Dividing Nation Group #4

California became the 31st state on September 9, 1850.

Harriet Tubman returned to slave-holding states many times to help other slaves escape. She led them safely to the northern free states and to Canada.

California enters as a free state.
Two new territories, New Mexico and Utah, are open to slavery.
The slave trade in D.C. is ended.
A new Fugitive Slave law is passed.

This book describes the cruelties of slavery through a slave named Uncle Tom. It tells of his life through three slave holders. The first two treat him nicely, while the third abuses hum many times. Southerners saw this as an insult to their way of life. Harriet thought this book bring an end to slavery.

The Republican Party is established to oppose the Kansas Nebraska Act and the Fugitive Slave Law.

The issue of slavery in both states will be decided based on popular sovereignty. It allowed people in the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves whether or not to allow slavery within their borders. The Act served to repeal the Missouri Compromise of 1820 which prohibited slavery north of latitude 36°30´.

massacres 5 proslavery men in Pottawatomie, Kansas.

Pro-slavery forces raided the Free-Soil town of Lawrence, Kansas. They burned buildings, looted stores, and destroyed two printing presses. Northerners called this "Sack of Lawrence".

The Supreme Court hands down the Dred Scott decision: African-Americans are not citizens; Missouri Compromise line is unconstitutional.

John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry, Virginia; Brown is captured and hung.

In November, Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, wins the election of 1860 with less than 40% of the vote.

The Confederate States of America is formed; Jefferson Davis is elected president.

Southern forces fire on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, beginning the Civil War.