What Events Led Up To The Civil War

What Events Led Up To The Civil War

A Personal Experience

Growing up in the United States, we were always taught about the Civil War in school. However, it wasn’t until I visited some of the historical sites and read more about the events leading up to the war that I truly understood the complexity and significance of this time in our nation’s history.

The Road to War

The events leading up to the Civil War can be traced back to the founding of the United States. The issue of slavery was a contentious one from the very beginning, with some of the founding fathers owning slaves themselves. As the country expanded westward, the question of whether new territories would allow slavery or not became a heated debate.

The Missouri Compromise

In 1820, Congress passed the Missouri Compromise, which allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It also established a line at 36°30′ north latitude, with slavery prohibited north of this line and allowed south of it. This compromise was meant to ease tensions, but it ultimately only delayed the inevitable conflict.

The Dred Scott Decision

In 1857, the Supreme Court made a controversial decision in the case of Dred Scott, a slave who had lived in a free state with his owner. The Court ruled that Scott was not a citizen and therefore could not sue for his freedom. This decision invalidated the Missouri Compromise and further divided the country.

John Brown’s Raid

In 1859, abolitionist John Brown led a raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in an attempt to start a slave rebellion. Brown and his followers were captured and executed, but his actions further fueled the tensions between the North and South.

The Civil War Begins

In 1861, following the election of Abraham Lincoln, seven Southern states seceded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America. The Civil War began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in South Carolina on April 12, 1861.

Events and Celebrations

There are many events and celebrations related to the Civil War, including reenactments, museum exhibits, and historical tours. One of the most famous Civil War battlefields is Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where a three-day battle took place in July 1863. The town now hosts an annual reenactment and has several museums and monuments dedicated to the battle.

FAQs

What was the main cause of the Civil War?

The main cause of the Civil War was the issue of slavery and whether it would be allowed to expand into new territories.

How long did the Civil War last?

The Civil War lasted from 1861 to 1865, with an estimated 620,000 soldiers losing their lives.

What was the outcome of the Civil War?

The Union emerged victorious, and slavery was abolished throughout the United States with the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. However, the country would continue to face challenges in the aftermath of the war, including the struggle for civil rights for African Americans.