The 1850s continued…Chapter 10 Section 2

KansasA. Popular Sovereignty

Southerners wanted Kansas slave state.

Northerners wanted Kansas free.

EVERYBODY went to Kansas-to take control so that they could win.

CHAOS! B. The Pottawatomie Massacre

The anti-slavery city of Lawrence, Kansas was “sacked” in 1855.

In response to this sacking a man named John Brown decided to get revenge.

On May 24, 1855 he and a group of followers executed 5 pro-slavery settlers in along Pottawatomie Creek.

A. “Bleeding Kansas” The violent events in

Lawrence and Pottawatomie Creek along with other violent happenings is called Bleeding Kansas.

Casualties on both sides. War broke out in KS.

B. Bleeding Sumner Senator Charles Sumner

made an angry speech on the Senate floor blaming Senator Andrew Butler for violence in KS.

2 days later Butler’s nephew, Preston Brooks, walked into the Senate and beat Sumner 30 times with a walking stick.

Northerners were outraged. Southerners praised the event.

C. The Lecompton ConstitutionA pro-slavery

constitution for Kansas territory written in 1857.

Delegates knew it would never be passed.

Decided to allow a special vote on slavery.

The Constitution passed but the House of Reps blocked KS from becoming a state.

The people of KS voted again and the constitution was put down.

John Brown’s Raid John Brown planned to

raid a US arsenal at Harpers Ferry, VA.

On October 16, 1858 Brown and 21 followers captured the arsenal.

They were surrounded by federal troops and Brown and his followers were captured.

Some followers were killed.

John Brown was hanged. Many northerners viewed

him as a hero.

Dred Scott v. Sandford Dred Scott was born a

slave in VA. Scott sued for his freedom,

claiming that he was freed because he lived in free territory.

It was ruled that Scott was not a citizen because he was black therefore he could not sue.

Intensity over the slave issue grew even more.