Cause of the Civil War
By: Angela Abraham 4th period
The Civil War
The Civil War was a war between the states. The Civil War had many causes but some of the biggest where the states versus the federal powers, fight between slave and non-slave territories, differences between the North and the South, the election of Abraham Lincoln, and the growth for the supporters of non-slavery. These events and many more that I will state in the project are the reasons that tore the country apart.
Missouri Compromise of 1820
What was the compromise about?
The Missouri Compromise was an agreement made by Henry Clay permitting Missouri to enter into the Union as a slave state but agreed to let Maine into the union as a free state. The compromise divided the Louisiana Territory into two sections by an imaginary line called the 36, 30 line ( Missouri Compromise Line). All of the territory over the line was the North, which entered in letting African Americans to be free. All of the territory under the line was the South, which permitted slaves. This compromise settled the problem for a period of time but then after awhile the problem became an issue again.
Northern View on this issue.
The Northerners realized that slavery was becoming a bigger issue everyday because of Westward Expansion and people's different opinions.
Southern View on this issue
This became a big conflict for the Southerners because they believed that the Northerners point of view on this issue posed a big threat to slavery which could tremendously affect them in many ways.
Compromise of 1850
What was the compromise about?
This compromise was made by Henry Clay and Daniel Webster and stated that California would become a free state and also that Utah and New Mexico could choose for popular sovereignty which meant that they could choose if they wanted to be free or a slave states. It also talked about the fugutive state law which declared all runaway slaves be brought back to their slaveholders. Lastly it stated that domestic slave trade would not be allowed in Washington, D.C.
Northern View on this issue
They were pleased with this compromise and followed by these statements to keep peace and preserve the union. The only thing they disagreed with the compromise was the fugutive state law which made many Northerners changed to anti-slavery supporters.
Southern View on this issue
They also approved of this compromise but supported the fugutive state law portion because it helped them. They only thing they were worried about was that the breakdown of the agreement would lead to states leaving the Union.
Fugutive State Law (1850)
What was this about?
This statement was written in the Compromise of 1850 and declared that all runaway slaves be brought back to their masters.
Northern View on this issue
Thousands of African Americans who lived in the North worried so much that they escaped to Canada from potential prosecution under the FSA. This brought the issue of slavery into North which abolitionist disliked very much.
Southern View on this issue
They were pleased with the Fugutive Slave Law because they were the only part of the country that actually had slaves and this law helped them because it brang back their slaves.
Uncle Tom's Cabin ( 1852)
What was it about?
This was a book written by Harriet Beacher Stowe and explained all of the cruelties of slavery, and touched readers emotionally and created widespread anti-slavery support. Although many were touched by it many had different views and opinions on it.
Northern View on this issue
The Northerners were touched by this book and felt that slavery was a cruel system. They disliked the awful skave holders.
Southern View on this issue
The South disliked this books and thought it was somewhat of a joke/propoganda.
Kansas-Nebraska Act ( 1854)
What was this about?
This was an act proposed by Senator Stephen A. Douglass permitting Kansas and Nebraska for popular sovereignity. But this act, angered Lincoln severely.
Northern View on this issue
This act outraged Northerners because it ignored the 1820 Missouri Compromise which said that the area above the 36, 30 line in the Missouri Compromise would always be freee. This act said that they could choose if they wanted to be free or a slave state which totally ignored the other compromise.
Southern View of this issue
This act pleased Southerners because they had the right to have slavery due to popular sovereingty.
Ths Dred Scott Decision (1857)
What was this about?
Dred Scott, was a slave, who sued for his freedom after still being a slave even when he was living on free soil in the North with his owner. The court said that slaves could not even do make a lawsuit so the Chief Justice said that slaves were not citizens, and also that slaves were property. Also it stated that congress could not ban slavery according to the fifth amendment and declared that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional.
Northern View on this issue
They were dismayed and disliked the descision. They were dismayed and started to join the Republican party.
Southern View on this issue
They overjoyed at the ruling because it helped keep the slave problem in order for them.
John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry (1859)
What is it about?
John Brown was trying to stir a slave revolt and end slavery when he seized the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Insteading of accomplishing what he wanted to do, he was shot by squads of marines.
Northern View on this issue
They mourned the death of John Brown and made him a martyred hero because of his bravery.
Southern Fiew on this issue
Southern Whites including slaveholders and non-slave holders felt threatned by John Browns actions. They were also worried that "John Brown the Second" would attack Southern targets.
Election of 1860
What is it about?
This was a 4 way race to become president between Stephen Douglass, John Breckerodge, John Belland, and Abraham Lincoln won. Finally at the end, Abraham Lincoln won.
Northern View on this issue
They felt like Stephen Douglass would win but still liked Abraham Lincoln because he agreed with their views about anti-slavery.
Southern View on this issue
Lincoln assured that he would not abolish slavery in the South, because he knew their economy depended on slavery, but Southerners did not believe him and seceded. Jefferson Davis became president of the Confederacy( states that seceded.)