Bell Ringer

• Why is the balance of slave states and free states important to early American government?

Annexation of Texas

• South favored adding Texas because it would be a slave state.

• Congress votes to annex Texas in 1845

• Mexico sees addition as an act of war

Mexican-American War• Dispute over boundaries.

• American settlers declare California an independent republic and force out Mexican troops.

• Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo sets modern borders

Missouri Compromise of 1820

• Missouri would enter the Union as a slave state, but Maine would enter as a free state.

• Goal was to balance slave and free states to keep both groups happy.

• Outlawed slavery north of Missouri– 36’ 30’’

Quick Review1. Why did the US go to war with Mexico?

2. Why did Southern States want Texas to join the Union?

3. What was the goal of the Missouri Compromise when it came to slave and free states?

Kansas-Nebraska Act• Kansas and Nebraska permitted to hold elections to

determine they would be free or slave.

• Both pro-slavery and abolitionist supporters migrate to Kansas to vote.

• Bleeding Kansas– Disagreements turn violent

The Caning of Charles Sumner

Key Question

• If a slave is taken North passed the Missouri line, is that slave free? Why or why not?

The Dred Scott Decision

• Scott v. Sandford

• Scott sues for his freedom when taken to free state

• Court ruled that slaves were property

John Brown’s Raid• October, 1859 John Brown leads an attack on an

arsenal in Harper’s Ferry, VA.

• Brown’s rebellion crushed by Robert E. Lee

• Brown hanged for treason– Becomes martyr to abolitionists

Election of 1860• Democratic party split

North/South– North: Stephen Douglas– South: John Breckinridge

• Republicans run Abraham Lincoln– Lincoln wins Presidency without a

single Southern vote (Wasn’t on the ballot)

– Only wins 39% of the popular vote.

Election of 1860

Quick Review1. Why did Kansas become a battle ground between

abolitionists and slavery supporters?

2. Why was the Dred Scott decision a blow to the abolitionist movement?

3. How did John Brown contribute to North-South tensions?

4. Why was the election of 1860 controversial?