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Drifting Toward Disunion1854-1861
AP US HistoryUnit 5
Sectionalism Growing
Antislavery movement gains ground in the north in the 1850’s with the publishing of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel on the cruelties of slavery, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Animosity for the north continued to grow in the hearts of the southerners.
What influenced Stowe’s writing of Uncle Tom’s Cabin in 1852?
1854
With Stephen Douglas’ Kansas-Nebraska Act, the race to populate the newly created Kansas and Nebraska territories had begun.
Thousands of abolitionist northerners and pro-slavery southerners flocked the area to stake their claim and cast their vote.
What is popular sovereignty?
1856: “Bleeding Kansas” The time has come to
organize the territorial legislature for the Kansas territory.
“Border Ruffians” from Missouri (pro-slavery) poured in to set up the state government.
Abolitionists also sent representatives to Kansas to set up a state government as well.
Where was the first major act of violence in the Kansas territory between anti-slavery north and pro-slavery south?
“Bleeding Kansas” continued..
John Brown; passionate abolitionist
Leads a group of men to Pottawatomie Creek in May of 1856
Brutally kills 5 men in response to the attack in Lawrence.
Was John Brown justified in his retalliation attacks? Why or why not?
Election of 1856
Democrats: James Buchanan Not influenced by Kansas violence Had few enemies Popular Sovereignty
Republicans: Capt. John C. Fremont Against the expansion of slavery Roman Catholic
American Party aka. Know-Nothing: Millard Fillmore Anti-foreign, anti-catholic Supporter of “natives”
What were the results of this election? Why did the northerners cast their votes for the Democrats rather than the anti-slavery Republicans?
Splitting of the Democrats 1857: Kansas is now ready to become a
state Lecompton Constitution
Even if Kansans voted down slavery with popular sovereignty, those who currently have slaves there would be protected and could keep them.
Loophole of popular sovereignty Supported by President Buchanan
How did Stephen Douglas feel about the Lecompton Constitution? Why?
Splitting of the Democrats continued…
Example of division: 1856 Sen. Charles Sumner of
Massachusetts delivers speech “The Crime Against Kansas” Insults southern, pro-slavery
states and their representatives; SC in particular (Preston Brooks)
May 22, 1856: Preston Brooks enters Sumner’s office and beats him ferociously with his cane until it breaks. Sumner in critical condition.
What did this attack demonstrate to the country?
Dred Scott Decision
March 6, 1857 (Scott v. Sanford)
Scott, a black slave lived with master for 5 years in Illinois and Wisconsin territory.
With the help of abolitionists, sues for his freedom.
Chief Justice Roger B Taney (from Md., owned slaves) hands down decision
What were four elements of Justice Taney’s decision in this case?
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
1858: Senate seat of Illinois
Republican: Abraham Lincoln
Democrat: Stephen Douglas
Lincoln challenges Douglas to a series of 7 debates throughout Illinois from August-October.
Most famous debate in Freeport, Ill.
What famous question did Lincoln ask Douglas in this debate?
Freeport Doctrine
Douglas’ response further tore apart the Democratic party.
His answer became known as the “Freeport Doctrine”
What was the logic behind Douglas’ Freeport Doctrine?
Results of Senate Race 1858
Stephen Douglas wins the election for the seat in Senate
Abraham Lincoln had the moral victory though.
How was this a moral victory for Lincoln based on what you know about future events?
Harpers Ferry: 1859
John Brown devises a scheme to invade a federal arsenal in Virginia and arm hundreds of slaves with weapons and lead a revolt and establish a free state for African-Americans.
In the process he and his group kill 7 innocent people.
The slaves did not rally as Brown planned and they were captured by the Marine Corp under the leadership of Lt. Col. Robert E. Lee.
What was John Brown’s fate for his actions?
How did the north view his hanging? The South?
