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Union in Crisis. Kansas-Nebraska Act. Stephan Douglas focus on Illinois getting in on railroad activity Popular sovereignty to determine slavery issue Right of people in territory to decide Repeals Missouri Compromise New issues, new conflicts within political parties
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Kansas-Nebraska Act • Stephan Douglas focus on Illinois getting in on railroad activity • Popular sovereignty to determine slavery issue • Right of people in territory to decide • Repeals Missouri Compromise • New issues, new conflicts within political parties • Northern Democrats abandon party • Nativists grow “Know Nothings”
Union Breaking Down • Kansas becomes a competition to settle first • Voting fraud rampant 1854-1855 • Led by “Border Ruffians” • 1856 sees violence • John Brown leads assault on pro-slavery town • 200 dead after chaos in Kansas • Leaders weakened by strife
The Dred Scott Blow • Slave fighting for freedom, goes to U.S. Supreme Court • Basis: had lived in free and slave states, owner died while in slave state • Chief Justice Taney huge effect • Three Positions: Blacks not citizens, Scott had never ceased to be a slave, slaves never stopped being property
Seeking a Leader • Lincoln and Douglas duke it out for senate seat • Not necessarily that far apart ideologically • Douglas wins election, Lincoln moves on to bigger and better things, presidency
Secession • Lincoln’s victory seen as terrible blow for southerners • Only option was to secede, led by South Carolina • February 7, 1861 The Confederate States of America established • No time for Lincoln to ponder situation
Conscription • Confederate Army feels pinch • Need for soldiers high • All able bodied men 18-35 required service • No real outcry initially, until, exemption of those with 20 or more slaves • North implemented Enrollment Act 1863 as numbers dwindled
The South's Struggles • Food shortages • Clothing needs, not met • Many unable to continue into battle without proper attire • Impressment Act 1863; the taking of food from farmers, forcing slaves to work for the army
The $ In the South • The Blockades on southern ports forced a change • In steps Confederate War Department • Once anti strong government; attitudes shifts • Attempts at quick industrialization fairly successful • Income tax another source of revenue • Davis sees his popularity sinking