On the Brink of War
Morality of Slavery
Advocates of slavery in the South began to defend their beliefs. Some even used passages from the Bible to justify slavery. George Fitzhugh argued that African American slaves were better off and more happier begin fed, clothed, and housed.
In the election of 1848 another party arose-- the Free Soil Party. Their campaign slogan being, "Free soil, free labor, and free men.
California soon joined the statehood as a free state but not without sparking a debate in Congress. The Fugitive Slave Law was more harshly enforced to have Northerners return escaped slaves.
In the election of 1848 another party arose-- the Free Soil Party. Their campaign slogan being, "Free soil, free labor, and free men.
California soon joined the statehood as a free state but not without sparking a debate in Congress. The Fugitive Slave Law was more harshly enforced to have Northerners return escaped slaves.
Kansas Nebraska Act and a New Party is Born
The 36º30' line from the Missouri compromise was repealed because both Kansas and Nebraska layed above it. The idea of popular sovereignty was once again used to decide wether the state was to be a slave or free state. Both pro-slavery and anti-slavery advocates moved to Kansas to vote on the issue of slavery in Kansas. Kansas soon became known as Bleeding Kansas because of the fighting between the anti- and pro- slavery functions.
Northern Democrats believed that the Union had "sold out" to the South with regard to the slavery issue. The new Republican Party was founded containing Whigs, Democrats, Free-Soilers, and Know-Nothings from the North and West. The Republican party opposed the expansion of slavery and the Kansas- Nebraska Act.
Northern Democrats believed that the Union had "sold out" to the South with regard to the slavery issue. The new Republican Party was founded containing Whigs, Democrats, Free-Soilers, and Know-Nothings from the North and West. The Republican party opposed the expansion of slavery and the Kansas- Nebraska Act.
Dred Scott vs Sanford
In 1857 the Dred Scott vs Sanford case occurred. Dred Scott a slave tried to sued his master for how freedom. However the Court ruled that the 36º30' line in the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. It also ruled that all African Americans were not citizens therefor they were not eligible to sue in federal court.
The Rise of Lincoln and Election of 1860
Abraham Lincoln, a then unknown country lawyer, challenged his opponents to a series of public debates. On of his most popular debates was the Freeport Doctrine with Democrat Stephen Douglas. Douglas decreased his chances of winning the presidency in the election on 1860 and brought Lincoln to the spotlight.
As the election of 1860 drew closer more Americans held the opinion that the Union was on the verge of breaking apart. Lincoln and the Republican party's platform barred the expansion of slavery into new established territories.Southern Democrats warned that if Lincoln won the presidency that it would succeed form the Union. However, Lincoln won the election from states with large number of electoral votes.
As the election of 1860 drew closer more Americans held the opinion that the Union was on the verge of breaking apart. Lincoln and the Republican party's platform barred the expansion of slavery into new established territories.Southern Democrats warned that if Lincoln won the presidency that it would succeed form the Union. However, Lincoln won the election from states with large number of electoral votes.
The South Secedes
Four days after the election South Carolina succeeded followed by six more Southern states. In February 1861 the Confederate States of America were formed. Jefferson Davis was named as the President. Southerns justified their succession because the government no longer protected the rights of its citizens to life, liberty, and property. The South hoped that the North would allow it to leave the Union without any conformations because the regions were economically independent from each other.