The Road to the Civil War
1820's- The Civil war
Economic Sparks
Missouri Compromise
Devised by Henry Clay, this was an idea to isolate slavery in the south, by adding a border on the southern border of Missouri, also known as the 36 30' line. This caused a more defined border between the north and south, and affected what kind of economy the future states would have as per their location in relation to whether or not they can have slaves.
The Tariff of 1828, or The Tariff of Abominations
This was a tariff set into use on May 19, 1828. It was put in effect for the purpose of preserving northern industries, at the cost of hurting the southern economy very badly. This sparked the Nullification Crisis later on as a result of this tariff, which raised tensions between the north and south immensely.
Texas and Mexico
The Annexation of Texas
The incorporation of Texas into the union in 1845 sparked a war with Mexico, as the Mexicans were outraged that part of their country, which had become independent only recently was now becoming a part of their biggest opposition in North America.
Mexican-American War
This was the resulting war between America and Mexico soon after Texas was admitted as a state into the union. It lasted from April 25, 1846 to February 2, 1848. It was a short war, lasting only about a year, and resulted with America winning against Mexico.
Social Issues
The Underground Railroad
This was a trail in the south, lined with safe houses and secret passages. It led into Canada, and was a path to safe haven for slaves to travel to become free from their oppressive masters.
Bleeding Kansas
This was a battle fought between Pro and Anti Slavery forces over whether Kansas would be a slave or free state when it entered the union. There were casualties ranging anywhere from 80 to 100 people. This caused a big rise in tension for the North and South.
Political Contributions
The Nullification Crisis
This was a outrage of South Carolina, in which they found the Tariffs of 1828 and 1832 unconstitutional and refused them in the state. Later on, when the nation went into a depression, it only affected South Carolina slightly.
The Caning of Charles Sumner
This was a scandalous event during which Preston Brooks attacked Charles Sumner with a walking cane over a speech Sumner gave two days prior about the Bleeding Kansas event. Sumner had pushed for Kansas to become a free state, saying it was a crime against Kansas to make it a slave state