1850s America: A Precursor to the American Civil War

North and South Comparison

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5 Ws of the Compromise of 1850

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Kansas-Nebraska Act

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Reform and Abolition Movements

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Lincoln Douglas Debates

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Timeline Leading to the Civil War

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Discussion Questions for 1850s America

1. What divisions existed between the North and the South? How did such divisions increase tensions between these regions?
2. What were the roles of abolition and reform movements? How did they exemplify the increasing divisions and tensions between social classes, politics, and views from the North and the South?
3. What legislation and compromises were enacted in an attempt to solve the “slave question” and its expansion?
4. How were the Lincoln-Douglas debates an example of increasing political divisions and tensions? How did they typify the views of both Southern Democrats and the newly founded Republican Party?
5. How did events like John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry and the election of President Lincoln in 1860 serve as sparks to the inevitable Civil War?
6. What was the role of morality vs. practicality throughout this time period?

1850s America

In the 1850s, America experienced great tribulations. The “slave question” and its application to newly organized and acquired territories split the country apart. America had grown exponentially in terms of territory and power. Differences between the North and the South were more evident than ever. As the North experienced great industrial growth and expansion, the South remained a mostly agricultural and slave-based economy. The country divided politically as well. With growing abolition and reform movements, social divisions became sharp and fierce.

The 1850s was a decade of unsuccessful attempts to resolve these differences. Events made the possibility of civil war more realistic than ever, but the country aimed first to resolve these growing divisions democratically. The central question proved to be how new territories and lands would take on the controversial issue of slavery. Through compromises, law, and upheaval, America attempted to tackle this question. By examining this period in American history, one can truly understand what events lead to the Civil War, thrusting the United States into a war many deemed inevitable.