The Deepening Sectional Crisis

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.