1850's
The time NighJohn was published
Men clothing in the 1850's
In contrast to the 1840's, the 1850's reflected a marked preference for bolder styling particular seen in frock coats with wider lapels and looser cuts. Waistcoats became fancier with bold patterns and metal buttons.
Slavery
The Fugitive Slave Acts were a pair of federal laws that allowed for the capture and return of runaway slaves within the territory of the United States
People involved in 1850's
From a Compromise in 1850 to a Dred Scott decision that would cause a nation to increasingly become two distinct parts, it was all prompted by new territories in the westward expansion movement wanting to become states and trying to decide which part of the divide they should be or allowed to be on.
War
Until 1845, it had seemed likely that slavery would be confined to the areas where it already existed. It had been given limits by the Missouri Compromise in 1820 and had no opportunity to overstep them. The new territories made renewed expansion of slavery a real likelihood.