The Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)
This law allowed settlers in Kansas and Nebraska to decide on slavery through popular sovereignty. It repealed the Missouri Compromise, which had banned slavery north of the 36°30′ line. The act led to violent conflict and the rise of the Republican Party.
“Bleeding Kansas”
Violence erupted between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers after the Kansas-Nebraska Act. John Brown and others carried out attacks, symbolizing the failure of popular sovereignty. The conflict foreshadowed the Civil War.
Lecompton Constitution
A pro-slavery constitution was proposed for Kansas statehood. It was supported by President Buchanan but rejected by Congress after evidence of fraud. The controversy deepened sectional divisions and weakened Democrats.
Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
The Supreme Court ruled African Americans were not citizens and could not sue in federal court. It also declared Congress had no authority to ban slavery in the territories. The decision outraged Northerners and invalidated the Missouri Compromise.
Lincoln-Douglas Debates (1858)
Lincoln and Douglas debated slavery’s expansion during the Illinois Senate race. Lincoln argued against expansion, while Douglas defended popular sovereignty. Though Lincoln lost, he gained national fame.
Caning of Senator Sumner (1856)
Charles Sumner was attacked by Preston Brooks after giving an anti-slavery speech. Northerners were horrified, while Southerners celebrated Brooks. The incident showed the collapse of civil discourse.
John Brown’s Raid at Harpers Ferry (1859)
John Brown attempted to seize a federal arsenal to start a slave uprising. The raid failed, and Brown was executed. Southerners were terrified, while some Northerners saw him as a martyr.
The Election of 1860
Abraham Lincoln won the presidency without carrying a single Southern state. His victory convinced Southerners slavery was under threat. The election directly triggered secession.
Secession of the Deep South (1860–61)
South Carolina and other states left the Union to form the Confederacy. They cited slavery and states’ rights as their reasons. South Carolina was the first to leave, leading to other states following their actions.
Secession of the Upper South (1861)
Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas joined the Confederacy. They seceded after Lincoln called for troops to suppress rebellion. Their departure expanded the war’s scope.
Keeping the Border States in the Union
Lincoln worked carefully to keep Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri loyal. He suspended habeas corpus in Maryland and avoided making slavery the immediate issue. Their support was crucial for Union strategy.
Military Differences
The Union had industry, manpower, and a navy. The Confederacy relied on strong military leadership and defensive strategy. These differences shaped the war’s outcome.
Economic Differences
The Union had a diversified industrial economy. The Confederacy depended on cotton exports and faced inflation. This imbalance contributed to Union victory.
Political Differences
The Union had an established government and functioning institutions. The Confederacy emphasized states’ rights, which weakened unity. Lincoln’s leadership helped maintain Northern morale.
The Confederate States of America
Formed in 1861 with Jefferson Davis as president. Its constitution protected slavery and emphasized states’ rights. The Confederacy struggled with unity and resources.
Fort Sumter (1861)
Confederate forces fired on Union troops at Fort Sumter. The attack started the Civil War. Lincoln responded by calling for volunteers.
Union Strategy (“Anaconda Plan”)
The Union aimed to blockade Southern ports and control the Mississippi River. This strategy would strangle the Confederacy economically. Over time, it proved effective.
Peninsula Campaign (1862)
Union General McClellan attempted to capture Richmond. His cautious approach led to failure. The campaign showed Union hesitancy and Confederate resilience.
Antietam (1862)
The bloodiest single day of the war occurred at Antietam. Though tactically inconclusive, it halted Lee’s invasion. Lincoln used it to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.
Fredericksburg (1862)
Union forces suffered a disastrous defeat. Thousands were killed in frontal assaults. The battle highlighted poor leadership.
Trent Affair (1861)
Union forces seized Confederate diplomats from a British ship. Britain threatened war in response. Lincoln released them to avoid conflict.
Failure of Cotton Diplomacy
The South hoped Britain would intervene due to cotton needs. Britain found other sources and stayed neutral. The Confederacy failed to gain foreign support.
Gettysburg (1863)
Union forces repelled Lee’s invasion of Pennsylvania. The battle was a turning point in the war. Confederate hopes of victory in the North ended.
Vicksburg (1863)
Union forces captured Vicksburg, gaining control of the Mississippi River. The victory split the Confederacy in two. It was a major turning point.
