Causes of the Civil War Timeline by Zyon Randall

Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo / Mexican Cession (February 2, 1848)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-03 18:03:01 UTC

This treaty ended the Mexican-American War, the U.S. gained the Mexican Cession territory in the Southwest. This new lands intensified debates over whether these territories would allow slavery.

Free Soil Party (August 9, 1848)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 16:21:39 UTC

Formed by anti-slavery activists, the Party opposed the expansion of slavery into western territories. The party reflected northern resistance to the spread of slavery, increasing the separation and divide between the North and South.

Election of Zachary Taylor (1848)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 16:23:12 UTC

Whig candidate and Mexican War hero, Taylor avoided taking a strong stance on slavery during his campaign. His presidency showed the fragile balance between North and South, and faced disputes over slavery in the newly acquired territories.

Compromise of 1850 (January 29, 1850)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 16:25:15 UTC

Series of laws that admitted California as a free state, allowed popular sovereignty in Utah and New Mexico, strengthening the Fugitive Slave Act. This delayed conflict but still heightened tensions over the Act and left unsettled questions about slavery's future in other territories.

Fugitive Slave Act (September 18, 1850)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 16:27:10 UTC

This law required citizens to assist in the capture of escaped slaves, punishing those who didn't. The Act angered the North and deployed abolitionist movements, widening the North-South divide.

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (March 20, 1852)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 16:28:45 UTC

Bestselling novel that portrayed the harsh reality of slavery, fueling the abolitionist in the North. It increased Northern opposition to slavery and was condemned in the South as propaganda.

Election of Franklin Pierce (November 2, 1852)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 16:30:48 UTC

Pierce was a Democrat and supported the pro-slavery actions, including the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act. His presidency failed to address growing tensions and encouraged Southern aggression in defending slavery.

Kansas-Nebraska Act (May 30, 1854)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 16:33:30 UTC

Allowed territories to decide slavery based on popular sovereignty, repealing the Missouri Compromise. It led to a violent event in Kansas and separated the nation further.

Republican Party Birth (March 20, 1854)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 16:34:41 UTC

Anti-slavery groups unite to form a party dedicated to preventing slavery's expansion. The Republican Party became a powerful political force opposing the South.

Bleeding Kansas (May 21, 1856)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 16:36:24 UTC

Violent fight between pro & anti-slavery settlers in Kansas over the question of slavery. It symbolized the failure of popular sovereignty and heightened national tensions.

Caning of Senator Sumner (May 22, 1856)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 16:38:02 UTC

Southern Congressman Preston Brooks attacked Northern Senator Charles Sumner in the Senate chamber over his anti-slavery speech. The event demonstrated the deepening malice between North and South.

Election of James Buchanan (November 4, 1856)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 16:39:20 UTC

Buchanan was a Democrat who tried to appease the South while avoiding the slavery debate. His inaction and support for pro-slavery measures angered the North, leading to further division.

Dred Scott v. Sandford (March 6, 1857)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 16:40:56 UTC

The Supreme Court ruled that African Americans were not citizens and Congress could not ban slavery in territories. The decision enraged the North, further dividing the nation and strengthening abolitionist resolve.

Lecompton Constitution (October 19 - November 8, 1857)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 16:43:00 UTC

A pro-slavery Kansas constitution that was rejected after national controversy. It revealed the extent of Southern attempted to impose slavery on free lands.

John Brown's Raid (October 16, 1859)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 17:23:12 UTC

Abolitionist John Brown attempted incite a slave rebellion by raiding a federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry. It terrified Southerners and made Brown a martyr for the abolitionist cause.

Election of Abraham Lincoln (November 6, 1860)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 17:24:36 UTC

Lincoln's victory, without carrying a single Southern state signaled the South's loss of influence. His election convinced Southern states that their interests could no longer be protected within the Union.

Secession of South Carolina (December 20, 1860)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 17:26:27 UTC

South Carolina became the 1st state to secede from the Union following Lincoln's election. This marked the beginning of the Southern secession movement, leading directly to the Civil War.

Crittenden Compromise (December 18, 1860)

zyonrandall — 2024-12-05 17:28:10 UTC

An unsuccessful last-ditch effort to avoid war by extending the Missouri Compromise line. It's failure showed the impossibility of compromise between the North and South by 1860.