Toward Civil War- The Last Phase (1856-1861)

J.A.SACCO

1856 Presidential Election1856 Presidential Election

√ √ James Buchanan John C. Frémont Millard Fillmore Democrat Republican Know-Nothing

1856Election Results

1856Election Results

“The Backbone of a Chocolate Éclair”

• The inept Buchanan Administration would be the final ingredient to secession. His lack of leadership would lead the country to Civil War.

Dred Scott v. Sanford, 1857

• Second challenge of Buchanan would be in a decision to allow slavery in the new territories. Weak President. Would allow the Supreme Court to make the decision.

• Since the court was composed of a Southern majority (Roger Taney), Southerners hoping for a favorable decision.

Dred Scott v. Sanford, 1857 Dred Scott v. Sanford, 1857

Dred Scott

Effects of Dred Scott?

• Southerners delighted- would allow slavery in any territory.• Northerners saw it as a plot between Buchanan and the

South- Buchanan a puppet of the South.• Main focus of the Republican Party unconstitutional.• Douglas’ popular sovereignty unconstitutional• Decision angered Northern Democrats- Many join the

Republican Party.• Southerners threaten secession if North doesn't abide by

decision.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates

• Series of debates for senator of Illinois.

Abraham Lincoln• successful trial lawyer• Illinois Congressman

Stephen Douglas• Incumbent• Champion of popular sovereignty

Lincoln-Douglas Debates• Lincoln delivers- “House divided

speech”.• Southern Democrats see Lincoln

as a radical.• Douglas gives his response on

slavery in the new territories called the “Freeport Doctrine”.

• Douglas’ response would cost him Southern Democratic support.

• Lincoln loses the election.

Effect of John Brown’s raid on the North and South?Effect of John Brown’s raid on the North and South?

John Brown’s Raid (Oct.16, 1859) Madman, Hero or Martyr?