Conflict & Compromise

What led to the American Civil War?

In the period between the American Revolution & the Civil War, the US grew immensely.

Land from Britain (lost the American Rev.)

Louisiana Purchase (bought from France)

A Growing Nation

As the US grew in size, a division grew between the North and South which resulted in two very distinct ways of life.

A Growing Divide

Industrial◦factories

Large Population ◦many immigrants

70% of Railroad TracksMore $$ Some farming too!

Northern Life

Agrarian- farming societySmaller PopulationFewer Railroad Tracks

◦Some farmers still used waterwaysLess $$Majority of $$ controlled by a small group of white, plantation owners.

Southern Life

Slavery was not just a moral issue, but about power and $$.

As the North and South grew apart, both sides fought for control in Washington, DC.

Growing Divide over Slavery

Each state has # of congressman based on population.

However, no matter the size of the state or population, each state gets 2 senators.

If one side has just one more state, that means an advantage for that side in Washington, DC.

11 Slave States x 2 Senators = 22 Senators

Slave States (South) vs. Free States (North)

11 Free States x 2 Senators = 22 Senators

But if we add just one more state to one side…

12 States x 2 Senators = 24 Senators

Slave States (South) vs. Free States (North)

Balanced at 11 states on each side.

Missouri & Maine wanted to become states, so…◦Missouri Slave States◦Maine Free State◦No slavery north of Missouri’s southern border (36⁰ 30´)

Missouri Compromise, 1820

1819, Spain ceded Florida to the US US won the Mexican-American War 1846-1847◦Gained most of the land from Texas to

California Gadsden Purchase

◦The US bought the rest of the land in the Southwest

More Land Means More Conflict

Gadsden Purchase

Missouri Compromise

–1819, Spain cedes Florida to the US in return for nullification of a Five Million Dollar debt

Soon after, Mexico Wins Independence from Spain

Texan Independence

Results of the Mexican War

Gadsen Purchase

California Free StateNew Mexico Slave StateUtah Slave StateFugitive Slave Law- required the return of escaped slaves to their owners

Compromise of 1850

Book written in 1852 by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Described cruelty of slaveryHoped to end slavery, but increased hostility between the North and the South.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

“So this is the lady who started the Civil War.”-Abraham Lincoln

Popular Sovereignty- the people decide by voting

Abolitionists (against slavery) & proslavery people flooded the territory

Led to violence and bloodshed

Kansas-Nebraska Act, 1854

Abolitionist John Brown & supporters attacked proslavery men, killing 5 of them in a single night.

Led to increased violence in this territory.

Bleeding Kansas, 1856

Dred Scott was a slave whom was moved into a free state.

Sued for his freedom, but denied.

The Supreme Court states that slaves are property, not citizens.

Dred Scott Decision, 1857

John Brown came out of hiding to lead 21 men in seizing the federal arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, VA.

Stopped by federal troops.John Brown was executed for treason.

John Brown’s Raid

Abraham Lincoln, the Republican nominee opposed to slavery, won with only 40% of the popular vote.

Didn’t receive any votes from the South, but because there were 4 candidates, votes were split & Lincoln won.

The South refused to follow a president for whom they didn’t vote.

Election of 1860 Splits the Nation

Secession- to leave or withdraw.Starting with South Carolina in 1861, 11 states left the Union/United States.

Created a new nation:◦Confederate States of America

“Confederacy”◦Capital: Richmond, VA◦President: Jefferson Davis

Secession

April 12, 1861, Southern forces attacked Fort Sumter, a federal fort in Charleston, SC.

After a day and a half, the Northern troops were forced to surrender.

This was the first “unofficial” battle of the Civil War.

First “Unofficial” Battle