Compromise of 1850 (1850)
Was a collection of five bills, passed in the United States in September 1850. It eased the four-year confrontation between the northern free states and the southern slave states, concerning the position of territories obtained during the Mexican-American War. It was drafted by Senator Henry Clay and brokered by Clay and Stephen Douglas. It avoided secession and reduced conflict for four years. It was received with reassurance, but each side disliked certain provisions.
Was a collection of five bills, passed in the United States in September 1850. It eased the four-year confrontation between the northern free states and the southern slave states, concerning the position of territories obtained during the Mexican-American War. It was drafted by Senator Henry Clay and brokered by Clay and Stephen Douglas. It avoided secession and reduced conflict for four years. It was received with reassurance, but each side disliked certain provisions.
Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)
It created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, opening the land for further exploration and settlement, and revoking the Missouri Compromise. The act was designed by Senator Stephen Douglas. The beginning purpose of the act create and open new farms and make create a Midwestern Transcontinental Railroad. It became controversial when popular sovereignty was written into it, whether or not they slavery should be allowed. This lead pro- and anti-slavery components into Kansas and resulted in a bloody civil war there.
It created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, opening the land for further exploration and settlement, and revoking the Missouri Compromise. The act was designed by Senator Stephen Douglas. The beginning purpose of the act create and open new farms and make create a Midwestern Transcontinental Railroad. It became controversial when popular sovereignty was written into it, whether or not they slavery should be allowed. This lead pro- and anti-slavery components into Kansas and resulted in a bloody civil war there.
Bleeding Kansas (1854-1861)
It was sequence of violent political confrontations or proxy war, between northern anti-slavery and southern pro-slavery elements, in which Kansas should enter to be a free state or a slave state. It took place in the Kansas Territory and Missouri. It was set in motion by the Kansas-Nebraska Act. At one point, Kansas had two different governments, each with its own constitution, but only one was officially recognized. In 1861, Kansas was declared a free state in the Union.
It was sequence of violent political confrontations or proxy war, between northern anti-slavery and southern pro-slavery elements, in which Kansas should enter to be a free state or a slave state. It took place in the Kansas Territory and Missouri. It was set in motion by the Kansas-Nebraska Act. At one point, Kansas had two different governments, each with its own constitution, but only one was officially recognized. In 1861, Kansas was declared a free state in the Union.
The Dred Scott Decision (1857)
The Dred Scott v. Sandford case was a decision that the U.S. Supreme Court held that, African Americans either a slave or free, couldn't be American citizens and therefore had no standing to sue in the federal court. This was caused when Dred Scott, an African American slave, had been taken to the free states by his owners and attempted to sue for his freedom. He did this on the grounds that he had lived in a free state and a free territory for a prolonged period of time. The court denied his request, this immediately stimulated public debate. It is now regarded as the worst decision made by the Supreme Court.
The Dred Scott v. Sandford case was a decision that the U.S. Supreme Court held that, African Americans either a slave or free, couldn't be American citizens and therefore had no standing to sue in the federal court. This was caused when Dred Scott, an African American slave, had been taken to the free states by his owners and attempted to sue for his freedom. He did this on the grounds that he had lived in a free state and a free territory for a prolonged period of time. The court denied his request, this immediately stimulated public debate. It is now regarded as the worst decision made by the Supreme Court.
Lincoln-Douglas Debates (1858)
A series of seven debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas to win control of the Illinois legislature. The main issue discussed in all the debates concerned slavery. They decided to hold a debate in each of nine congressional districts of Illinois. The coverage of the debate, such as in newspaper all across the nation, was immense. Depending on the side in which the newspaper favored, they would edit the speech and any errors of either Douglas or Lincoln's, and leave the other as is. Although he lost the debates, he combined, edited and published the debates into a book. The widespread popularity of the book eventually led to Lincoln's nomination for President by the 1860 Republican National Convention in Chicago.
A series of seven debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas to win control of the Illinois legislature. The main issue discussed in all the debates concerned slavery. They decided to hold a debate in each of nine congressional districts of Illinois. The coverage of the debate, such as in newspaper all across the nation, was immense. Depending on the side in which the newspaper favored, they would edit the speech and any errors of either Douglas or Lincoln's, and leave the other as is. Although he lost the debates, he combined, edited and published the debates into a book. The widespread popularity of the book eventually led to Lincoln's nomination for President by the 1860 Republican National Convention in Chicago.
Harper's Ferry (1859)
An abolitionist, John Brown, led 21 men in a raid on the arsenal. 5 of the 21 men were African American. John Brown attacked and captured various buildings. He intended to take the weapons he obtained and give them to slaves to initiate an uprising in the south. A man named John Starry was awaken from his sleep and confronted by some of Brown's men, they let him go and Starry alerted residents of the raid. Their men were forced to take refuge in a nearby engine house. After negotiation failed they stormed the engine house capturing and killing most of the raiders. Brown was tried for treason, convicted and hanged. The raid was a catalyst for the Civil War. Harper's ferry changed hands eight times during the Civil War. Both the Union and Confederate troops moved through quite frequently, because of the town's strategic location.
An abolitionist, John Brown, led 21 men in a raid on the arsenal. 5 of the 21 men were African American. John Brown attacked and captured various buildings. He intended to take the weapons he obtained and give them to slaves to initiate an uprising in the south. A man named John Starry was awaken from his sleep and confronted by some of Brown's men, they let him go and Starry alerted residents of the raid. Their men were forced to take refuge in a nearby engine house. After negotiation failed they stormed the engine house capturing and killing most of the raiders. Brown was tried for treason, convicted and hanged. The raid was a catalyst for the Civil War. Harper's ferry changed hands eight times during the Civil War. Both the Union and Confederate troops moved through quite frequently, because of the town's strategic location.
Lincoln's Election (1860)
This served as the immediate motivation for the outbreak of the Civil War. Lincoln was elected with little to none support from the south. Before his inauguration, seven states seceded and formed the confederacy. Four other states joined the confederacy when Lincoln called to restore federal property and they were obligated to chose a side. Missouri and Kentucky remained neutral. The next election, Lincoln was re-elected. Also, three more states were admitted to the Union as free-soil states. The Civil War had disrupted the the electoral vote process in the south, and no votes were cast by any of the sates in the Confederacy.
This served as the immediate motivation for the outbreak of the Civil War. Lincoln was elected with little to none support from the south. Before his inauguration, seven states seceded and formed the confederacy. Four other states joined the confederacy when Lincoln called to restore federal property and they were obligated to chose a side. Missouri and Kentucky remained neutral. The next election, Lincoln was re-elected. Also, three more states were admitted to the Union as free-soil states. The Civil War had disrupted the the electoral vote process in the south, and no votes were cast by any of the sates in the Confederacy.
Fort Sumter (1861)About a week after South Carolina seceded, Major Robert Anderson abandoned his fort and relocated to Fort Sumter without any orders from Washington. He thought that having a stronger defense would delay an attack by the South Carolina militia. The Union's attempt to resupply and reinforce the garrison were rejected. Then Lincoln ordered a fleet of ships to enter Charleston Harbor and supply the fort. Confederate batteries opened fire, firing for 34 straight hours, on the fort. No attempt was made to return the fire for more than two hours, they were ill equip and had limited resources. On April 13, the fort was surrendered and evacuated.
Bull Run (1861)
It took place in Virginia, and is noted as the first major land battle of the Civil War. The northern public, marched against the Confederate capital, they expected to bring an early end to the rebellion. Under pressure, Irvin McDowell led his Union army up across Bull Run against an equally inexperienced Confederate army. The Confederates found themselves at an initial disadvantage. The Confederates launched a counterattack, and as the Union troops began withdrawing, many panicked and the retreat turned into a rout. Both armies were subdued by the numerous casualties and fighting, they realized the war was going to be longer and more violent than either expected.
It took place in Virginia, and is noted as the first major land battle of the Civil War. The northern public, marched against the Confederate capital, they expected to bring an early end to the rebellion. Under pressure, Irvin McDowell led his Union army up across Bull Run against an equally inexperienced Confederate army. The Confederates found themselves at an initial disadvantage. The Confederates launched a counterattack, and as the Union troops began withdrawing, many panicked and the retreat turned into a rout. Both armies were subdued by the numerous casualties and fighting, they realized the war was going to be longer and more violent than either expected.
Antietam (1862)
Taking place in Maryland, it was the first major battle fought on Union grounds. It is one of the most bloodiest single day battle in American history. After George B. McCellan, union general, pursued Robert E. Lee, Confederate leader, into Maryland, the Union initiated an attack against Lee's army, in defensive positions behind Antietam Creek. Even thought the Union had an advantage in numbers, the Unions attacks failed to achieve force concentration, and Lee meet each challenge. McCellan had failed to destroy Lee's army, making him able to withdraw his army back to Virginia, technically making it a Union victory. Thus giving Lincoln the confidence to announce the Emancipation Proclamation.
Taking place in Maryland, it was the first major battle fought on Union grounds. It is one of the most bloodiest single day battle in American history. After George B. McCellan, union general, pursued Robert E. Lee, Confederate leader, into Maryland, the Union initiated an attack against Lee's army, in defensive positions behind Antietam Creek. Even thought the Union had an advantage in numbers, the Unions attacks failed to achieve force concentration, and Lee meet each challenge. McCellan had failed to destroy Lee's army, making him able to withdraw his army back to Virginia, technically making it a Union victory. Thus giving Lincoln the confidence to announce the Emancipation Proclamation.
Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
It was an executive order issued by President Lincoln. It declared that the freedom of slaves in the ten states that were still in rebellion.It wasn't a law passed by Congress. It didn't free all slaves in the United States, but only slaves living in states not under Union control. It allowed black soldiers to fight for the Union. This Proclamation didn't compensate the owners, itself outlaw slavery, and make the ex-slaves citizens of the U.S.. The goal was to eradicate slavery and to try and reunite the Union. As the Union army took control over Confederate regions, this Proclamation provided a basis for freeing the slaves in those regions, and only applied to Confederate held lands. The Emancipation Proclamation shifted the focus of the Civil War.
It was an executive order issued by President Lincoln. It declared that the freedom of slaves in the ten states that were still in rebellion.It wasn't a law passed by Congress. It didn't free all slaves in the United States, but only slaves living in states not under Union control. It allowed black soldiers to fight for the Union. This Proclamation didn't compensate the owners, itself outlaw slavery, and make the ex-slaves citizens of the U.S.. The goal was to eradicate slavery and to try and reunite the Union. As the Union army took control over Confederate regions, this Proclamation provided a basis for freeing the slaves in those regions, and only applied to Confederate held lands. The Emancipation Proclamation shifted the focus of the Civil War.
Gettysburg and Gettysburg Address (1863)
One of the largest battles of the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg, took place over the course of three days, in the south part of the town Gettysburg. The casualties were extremely high, estimated around 27,00 Confederate soldiers and 31,000 Union Soldiers losses. Lee, Confederate leader along with the others, retreated. The Union defeated the Confederacy. Today there is the Gettysburg National Cemetery to commemorate the soldier who fought in the vigorous battle. Abraham Lincoln attended the ceremony to officially consecrate the grounds, and give the Gettysburg address. The address was in dedication to the soldiers. It became one of the greatest speeches in american history. Lincoln redefined the Civil War as a struggle not just for the Union, but also for the principle of human equality and he reiterated them like they are adopted in the Declaration of Independence.
One of the largest battles of the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg, took place over the course of three days, in the south part of the town Gettysburg. The casualties were extremely high, estimated around 27,00 Confederate soldiers and 31,000 Union Soldiers losses. Lee, Confederate leader along with the others, retreated. The Union defeated the Confederacy. Today there is the Gettysburg National Cemetery to commemorate the soldier who fought in the vigorous battle. Abraham Lincoln attended the ceremony to officially consecrate the grounds, and give the Gettysburg address. The address was in dedication to the soldiers. It became one of the greatest speeches in american history. Lincoln redefined the Civil War as a struggle not just for the Union, but also for the principle of human equality and he reiterated them like they are adopted in the Declaration of Independence.
Andersonville Prison (1864)
During the Civil War, both sides had horrible prison camps. This one in particular, a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp was one of the worst. It is located near Anderson, Georgia, and is also known as Camp Sumter. Of approximately the 45,000 solider held captive almost 1/3 of them died. It was argued that the deaths were a result of deliberate Confederate war crimes toward Union prisoners, but others thought they were the result of disease, shortage of food, the incompetence of the prison officials, and the refusal of Union authorities to reinstate the prisoner exchange, making the stockade overcapacity.
During the Civil War, both sides had horrible prison camps. This one in particular, a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp was one of the worst. It is located near Anderson, Georgia, and is also known as Camp Sumter. Of approximately the 45,000 solider held captive almost 1/3 of them died. It was argued that the deaths were a result of deliberate Confederate war crimes toward Union prisoners, but others thought they were the result of disease, shortage of food, the incompetence of the prison officials, and the refusal of Union authorities to reinstate the prisoner exchange, making the stockade overcapacity.
Surrender at Appomattox Court House (1865)
It was the last final confrontation of the Confederate General Robert E. Lee before surrendering to Ulysses S. Grant's Union army. It was one of the very last battles of the Civil War. Lee had to sign surrender Documents, which occurred in the parlor of the house. A ceremony took place effectively ending the war in Virginia. This led to sequence of surrenders all around the south, signaling the end of the war.
It was the last final confrontation of the Confederate General Robert E. Lee before surrendering to Ulysses S. Grant's Union army. It was one of the very last battles of the Civil War. Lee had to sign surrender Documents, which occurred in the parlor of the house. A ceremony took place effectively ending the war in Virginia. This led to sequence of surrenders all around the south, signaling the end of the war.
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln (1865)
Lincoln was the first president to be assassinated. It was planned and carried out by the actor John Wilkes Booth. It took place only after a few days Lee surrendered and the Civil War was coming to a close. There is conspiracy that it was an act to revive the Confederate cause. This had a long lasting impact on both the north and south.
Lincoln was the first president to be assassinated. It was planned and carried out by the actor John Wilkes Booth. It took place only after a few days Lee surrendered and the Civil War was coming to a close. There is conspiracy that it was an act to revive the Confederate cause. This had a long lasting impact on both the north and south.
Reconstruction (1865-1877)
During this era Abraham Lincoln and later Andrew Jackson, focused on trying to bring the south back to be as normal as possible. The Radical Republicans used Congress to block the moderate approach, impose harsh terms, and upgrade the rights of the former slaves. President Ulysses S. Grant supported the Radical's and enforced the protection of the African Americans. Reconstruction was significant in Civil Rights history, but some consider it a failure because the south became poverty stricken and the whites re-established supremacy.
During this era Abraham Lincoln and later Andrew Jackson, focused on trying to bring the south back to be as normal as possible. The Radical Republicans used Congress to block the moderate approach, impose harsh terms, and upgrade the rights of the former slaves. President Ulysses S. Grant supported the Radical's and enforced the protection of the African Americans. Reconstruction was significant in Civil Rights history, but some consider it a failure because the south became poverty stricken and the whites re-established supremacy.