This outline covers key themes and events typically found in Chapter 8 of most AP US History textbooks, focusing on the period leading up to the Civil War. Remember to consult your specific textbook and class materials for the most accurate and complete information.
I. The Compromise of 1850 and its Aftermath
This period witnessed escalating tensions over slavery, culminating in the Compromise of 1850, a series of laws designed to temporarily quell the conflict. However, it ultimately proved ineffective in the long run.
- Key Components of the Compromise: The Compromise included the Fugitive Slave Act, the admission of California as a free state, the establishment of Utah and New Mexico territories with popular sovereignty (allowing residents to decide on slavery), and the abolition of the slave trade in Washington D.C.
- Impact of the Fugitive Slave Act: This highly controversial act sparked significant outrage in the North, fueling the abolitionist movement and strengthening anti-slavery sentiment. The act's enforcement led to numerous instances of alleged kidnapping and injustice, further dividing the nation.
- Rise of the Underground Railroad: The Fugitive Slave Act intensified the activities of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved people to escape to freedom in the North and Canada. Figures like Harriet Tubman became legendary for their roles in assisting these escapes.
II. The Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) and "Bleeding Kansas"
The Kansas-Nebraska Act, championed by Stephen Douglas, repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and introduced the principle of popular sovereignty to the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. This decision had devastating consequences.
- Popular Sovereignty's Failure: The application of popular sovereignty in Kansas led to a violent struggle between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, resulting in a period known as "Bleeding Kansas." This conflict demonstrated the inability of popular sovereignty to resolve the slavery question peacefully.
- The Emergence of Violent Extremism: Both pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups resorted to violence, including murder and raiding, to assert their dominance in Kansas. This period foreshadowed the larger-scale violence to come with the Civil War.
- The Formation of the Republican Party: The Kansas-Nebraska Act and "Bleeding Kansas" played a pivotal role in the formation of the Republican Party, a new political force dedicated to preventing the expansion of slavery into the territories.
III. The Supreme Court and the Dred Scott Decision (1857)
The Dred Scott Supreme Court decision further inflamed sectional tensions and dealt a major blow to the anti-slavery movement.
- Dred Scott's Case: Dred Scott, an enslaved man, sued for his freedom, arguing that his residence in free territories had granted him his liberty.
- The Court's Ruling: The Supreme Court ruled against Scott, denying him citizenship and asserting that Congress lacked the power to prohibit slavery in the territories. This decision essentially declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional.
- Political Fallout: The Dred Scott decision galvanized the abolitionist movement and further radicalized the North, strengthening the resolve of Republicans to oppose the expansion of slavery.
IV. John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry (1859)
John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry, although ultimately a failure, significantly escalated the tensions between the North and South.
- Brown's Goals: Brown, an abolitionist, aimed to ignite a slave rebellion by seizing the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry.
- The Raid's Failure and Aftermath: The raid was quickly suppressed by federal troops, and Brown was captured and executed.
- Impact on Public Opinion: While his methods were controversial, Brown became a martyr for the abolitionist cause in the North, while the South viewed him as a dangerous fanatic. The raid further fueled sectional hatred and contributed to the growing sense of inevitability regarding a major conflict.
V. The Election of 1860 and Secession
The election of 1860 proved to be a pivotal moment, leading to the secession of Southern states and the outbreak of the Civil War.
- The Candidates and their Platforms: Abraham Lincoln, the Republican nominee, ran on a platform opposed to the expansion of slavery. Southern Democrats nominated John C. Breckinridge, while Northern Democrats nominated Stephen Douglas. The Constitutional Union Party nominated John Bell.
- Lincoln's Victory and Secession: Lincoln's victory, without carrying a single Southern state, triggered the secession of South Carolina and subsequently six other states, forming the Confederate States of America.
- The Failure of Compromise Efforts: Attempts to reconcile the differences between the North and South proved unsuccessful, leading to the outbreak of hostilities at Fort Sumter in April 1861.
This outline provides a framework. Remember to delve deeper into each topic using your textbook and other resources. Understanding the nuances of these events is crucial for success in AP US History.
