Challenges to Slavery 12 4 The Republican Party

Challenges to Slavery 12 -4 The Republican Party is Founded • A new party (Republican) is formed of: Antislavery Whigs, Northern Democrats & Free Soilers • Republicans take control in many northern states, but have NO support in the South • The Democratic party becomes the party of the South

Challenges to Slavery 12 -4 Election of 1856 v James Buchanan (Democrat) v John C. Frémont (Republican) v Millard Fillmore (Know Nothings)

Clearly the issue of slavery is dividing the nation…and soon it will divide the democratic party

Challenges to Slavery 12 -4 Dred Scott Decision • Dred Scott – slave who sues for his freedom • Case eventually goes to U. S. Supreme Court landmark decision is handed down by Justices • Justice Roger B. Taney declared: ü slaves not citizens ü slaves didn’t have rights ü slaves were property, no matter where they lived

Challenges to Slavery 12 -4 • Dred Scott decision divides the country even more • Northerners furious • Southerners thrilled Summary

Lincoln & Douglas 12 -4 Lincoln – Douglas Debates • Abraham Lincoln runs against Stephen Douglas for the U. S. Senate • Douglas believed the slavery issue should be resolved by popular sovereignty What does that mean?

Lincoln & Douglas 12 -4 • Lincoln believed slavery was morally wrong, and should not be allowed to spread • Lincoln challenged Douglas to a series of debates on the issues

Lincoln & Douglas 12 -4 • Lincoln questioned Douglas on popular sovereignty • When Douglas admitted that states could pass laws that didn’t protect slave holders he lost support from the South

Lincoln & Douglas 12 -4 • Douglas accused Lincoln of wanting equality for African Americans – which wasn’t true • Southerners began feeling threatened by Republicans – didn’t want anything or anyone to threaten slavery

Lincoln & Douglas 12 -4 What can you recall about John Brown? John Brown & Harper’s Ferry • 1859 – John Brown leads a raid on a federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, VA • Brown wanted to arm the slaves so they could rebel

Lincoln & Douglas 12 -4 • Brown and his men (including two of his sons) were defeated • Brown and others that survived the attack were tried, convicted and hanged for insurrection and treason • Brown was called a martyr because he died for his cause • Brown’s actions made the South fear the North even more Summary