-
Mexican War and the Idea of the Slave Power Conspiracy
The Mexican War was a land dispute between the North and South who both claimed territory that was west of the Rio Grande. The US eventually wins but it is not the win or loss that connects this to the Civil War. Being a Southern initialized war, it was greatly disliked by the North. The North equated this War to the Slave Power Conspiracy which states that powerful southern white slave owners gained power within government becuase of ther wealth which was brought upon by slavery. -
California Gold Rush and the California Compromise
1000s of people would flood into California in search for gold to allow their family to prosper. The problem with this rush was how to decide what kind of state California would be, slave or free? The California Compromise saw the South allowing California to become a free state with the condition of the fugitive slave law. This law created the US marshal service allowed them to deputize people against their will in the hope that they would help to catch "fugitive" slaves in the North South. -
The Outrage and Agression of Zachary Taylor
Zachary Taylor was an officer in the US military and served until 1850. In a discussion with congress, Taylor expressed his outrage towards the southern chairmen after his urging of congress to admit New Mexico and California as states. He stated that he would lead an army in an offensive stature against traitors, including the southern delegates. He later went on to say that southerners were intolerent and revolutionary, heeding to the southern fear of northern aggression. (McPherson, 68-69) -
Kansas Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act is outlined as a majority takes all situation. The premise of the act stated that whoever had majority population within the Kansas territory would decide if Kansas was a slave or free state. Many people moved to do their part in swaying the numbers to their favor. This was a preview to the discontent and violence shown within the Civil War, with multiple fights and battles earning this time period the name "Bleeding Kansas." In the end Kansas was declared a free state. -
The Formation of the Republican Party
The Republican Party was instituted in response to the Kansas-Nebraska act. This party was used as a specifically anti-slavery party in which they would fight against the institution of slavery, effectively making them a northern idealistic party. This is important because of the instant effects it had on the lead up to the Civil War. This was Lincolns party, this was an obvious denial of southern ideals, which would not be stood for by the democratic South. -
Calling of the Constitional Convention for Pro Slavery Kansas
To defy Geary, a pro-slavery group called a constitutional convention during the fight for Kansas which was to be held in Lecompton. This created a larger divide as free staters reject this convention and planned to boycott by refusing the vote for delegates. This forced Geary to step down for Walker. He was trusted to stop this convention, and met immense resistance from southerners. This showed a clear divide between the southern and northern political parties. (Varon, 305-306 -
Panic of 1857
The panic was a slight financial depression that disproportionately affected the North because of the increase in the price of grain, distrust of railroads, and banking instability. This created discontent towards the South from the North as they blamed the institution of slavery and the South's reliance on agriculture for the economic crisis. This is important as it furthered the southern idea of greatness and superiority to the North, and increased the hatred that the North had for the South. -
Lincoln Douglas Debates
The Lincoln Douglas debates were centered around the idea of slavery, and the legality and ethical standing of the institution. This was during the debate for the Illinois senate race, in which Douglas had won the seat. Although he had won, Lincoln had created a statement, especially with his famous quote depicting that a house divided cannot stand. This allowed him to gain national recognition and would most likely influence his eventual presidential win, setting in motion the Civil War. -
John Brown and the Slave Revolt of Harpers Ferry
John Brown was more than an abolitionist, he had a genuine hate for slavery and made sure to let it be known with the revolt of Harpers Ferry, VA. After gathering a group and funds, Brown marched on Harpers Ferry late at night to steal weapons and continue their revolt across multiple states. It was ultimately unsuccessful; he and others are caught and killed. This elevated the fear of slave revolts in the South, and was just another reason for the South to secede from the "slave loving" North. -
The Election of 1860
The election of 1860 was one of the breaking points for the South's seccession from the United States. With Lincoln's victory which included only 39.6% of the electoral college and only the Northern states support, the South realized that their ability for equal representation within the government had been tarnished. This event would introduce Free Soil Policy, the John Crittiden Compromise (did not pass), and compinsated emancipation. Although, this did not matter, Civil War was upon us.