Pre-Civil War

Compromise

a settlement of differences in which each side gives up some demands

Why did many Southerners support the Fugitive Slave Act?

The Southerners liked this law because it helped the slaves return to their owners/plantations

Why were Northerners so upset by the Dred Scott decision? Explain.

The decision upset Northerners because they feared it would allow for the spread of slavery across the entire United States.

John Brown

Led a slave uprising at Harper's Ferry, Virginia

Why did many Northerners oppose the Fugitive Slave Act?

Many Northerners opposed the Fugitive Slave Act because they did not agree with the idea of slavery nor the requirement to help capture runaway slaves.

Had more industry/factories

North

Dred Scott

A slave who sued for his freedom. The case went to the Supreme Court, which ruled against him.

Harriet Beecher Stowe

Author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin"

Compromise of 1850

California was admitted as a free state, there were increased fugitive slave laws, and the slave trade banned in Washington DC

Abraham Lincoln

Elected President in 1860; this caused the south to secede from the Union

Republican Party

Formed in 1854 by opponents (against) of slavery

Abolitionists

People who wanted to end slavery

Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)

People would vote to determine whether slavery would be allowed in their state

Fugitive Slave Act (1850)

Slaves could be held without warrant and had no right to a jury trial. This law required all people to capture runaway slaves and was part of the Compromise of 1850.

Had more plantations

South

Dred Scott Case (1857)

Supreme Court decision that stated slaves were property, not people, and therefore could not sue for their freedom

Uncle Tom's Cabin

emotional story of a Christian slave family that obtained sympathy for slaves and support of the abolition movement

Secede

to reject the government of the United States and leave the Union