Lecture Notes: Lead-Up to the Civil War

Introduction

• Lecturer: Dr. Livy
• Topic: Path to the Civil War
• Objective: Provide a concise overview of the complex events leading up to the Civil War.

Historical Context

• 19th Century: Recognition of conflicting labor systems (free labor vs. slavery).
• Early Republic: Efforts to delay conflict through compromises.
• 1850s: Intensification of slavery investments in the South by planter elites and poor whites.

Key Events Leading to the Civil War

Mexican-American War Aftermath

• Territorial gains disturbed the North-South balance.
• Wilmont Proviso: Proposed banning slavery in new territories.

Popular Sovereignty

• Proposed allowing territories to decide on slavery via popular vote.
• Seen as a method for potential slavery expansion.

Compromise of 1850

• California: Entered as a free state, disrupting balance.
• Popular Sovereignty: Introduced in new territories.
• Fugitive Slave Law: Required Northern states to assist in returning escaped slaves.
• Sparked Northern opposition to slavery.

Cultural Impact

• Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe: Humanized enslaved people, influenced public opinion.

Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)

• Territories could decide on slavery, leading to conflict.
• Bleeding Kansas: Violence over slavery vote, two rival governments formed.

Dred Scott Decision (1857)

• Supreme Court ruled that slaves were property, igniting Northern outrage.

Rise of the Republican Party

• Formed in opposition to slavery, supported a strong federal government.
• 1856 Election: First Republican candidate, John C. Fremont.
• 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debates: Abraham Lincoln's anti-slavery stance gains prominence.

John Brown's Raid (1859)

• Attempt to incite slave uprising, becomes folk hero in anti-slavery circles.

Election of 1860

• Candidates: Abraham Lincoln (Republican) vs. split Democratic nominees.
• Lincoln wins without Southern votes, leading to secession.

Secession Begins

• South Carolina: First state to secede, initiating Civil War processes.

Conclusion

• Reading Focus: Understand the timeline and significance of events rather than battle details.