THE TRIUMPH OF THE TRIUMPH OF SECTIONALISMSECTIONALISM

The Path to Civil WarThe Path to Civil War

Growing Discord Over Slavery

Presidents of the 1850s were afraid to suggest changes that

would affect slavery; Franklin Pierce 1852-1856;

James Buchanan, 1856-1860 both were Democrats

The Whig Party faded out; Clay and Webster both dead

1850 Fugitive Slave Law angers many in the North

Harriett Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin had a huge impact

on public opinion

Franklin Pierce James Buchanan

Poster printed by abolitionists in

Boston after the Fugitive Slave Law

was passed

Sectionalism - continued

1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act (by Senator Stephen Douglas) was

meant as another compromise using the policy of

‘popular sovereignty’ – leads to more violence

“Bleeding Kansas” – civil unrest, voter frauds, John Brown’s raids, 2 state governments elected

Senator Charles Sumner beaten on Senate floor

Tension between North and South was at an all-time high

Bleeding Kansas

Sen Charles Sumner

Political Changes

Waves of new immigrants poured into the North. This led to

growth of “nativisim” and anti-Catholic prejudice. The

“Know-Nothing” (American) party was established

Republican Party created in 1854;

1857 Supreme Court’s Dred Scott Decision angered all anti-

slavery groups

Dred Scott

Chief Justice Roger B. Taney

Changes - continued

1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates summarized arguments for

and against expanding slavery

1859- John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry, VA failed but

made Brown an anti-slavery martyr

1860 presidential election had 4 candidates, when Lincoln

won for Republicans southern states seceded from

the Union and formed the Confederate States of

America with Jefferson Davis as President

John Brown