The Deepening Sectional Crisis
The Union in Peril, 1856-1860
New Fugitive Slave Act Created More Controversy
New Law Established Federal Commissioners
Northerners MUST Return Fugitive Slaves
Fugitive Slaves and Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Single Biggest Event that Led to New Republican Party and War:
The Kansas Nebraska Act of 1854
The Kansas-Nebraska ActRepealed the MO Compromise
The Kansas-Neb Act Unleashes “One Helluva Storm”
Mass public meetings led to the Republican party.
Northern Whigs become Republicans.
Southern Whigs join Democrats.
Did Abolitionists Dominate the Republican Party?
A. YES
B. NO
Did Abolitionists Dominate the Republican Party?
Bleeding Kansas Gave Republicans Huge Issue
Open competition over Kansas
Border ruffians from Missouri
Northern settlers fight back
Bleeding Sumner Added Another Important Issue
Charles Sumner: Senator from Massachusetts
Preston Brooks: Congressman from South Carolina
Slave Power and Free Speech
The Dred Scott Case (1857)
Dred Scott, Missouri Slave
The Dred Scott Case (1857)
Dred Scott, Missouri Slave
Roger Taney’s Opinion
The Dred Scott Case (1857)
Dred Scott, Missouri Slave
Roger Taney’s Opinion
Republican Reaction: Slave-Power Conspiracy!
What was Lincoln’s Response to the Dred Scott Decision?
A. We must “appeal to the better angels of our nature”
B. “A house divided cannot stand.”
C. “Kansas must be freed!”
John Brown’s Raid (1859)
John Brown: Radical Abolitionist
John Brown’s Raid (1859)
John Brown: Radical Abolitionist
Harper’s Ferry, Virginia
John Brown’s Raid (1859)
John Brown: Radical Abolitionist
Harper’s Ferry Virginia Northern Reaction
Should We Consider John Brown a Terrorist?
A. Yes—he literally and self-consciously wanted to create terror to achieve a political end.
B. No— “Terrorist” is a loaded term that should not be applied to abolitionists.
Lincoln and the Election of 1860
Moderate on Slavery (Example: Fugitive Slave Act)
Limits to Compromise: No Expansion, No Secession
Southern Radicals: If Lincoln is Elected, We Leave.
Election of 1860
Why did Lincoln and Republicans Fight to Keep the South in the Union?
Secession spells the end to democratic government.
Only a united government can compromise over the issue of slavery.
A united government can stop the spread of slavery to the West.
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