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In the United States slavery and race relations have been a major focal point of American politics, news, and policy. However, this is not with out good reason. The United States is the only country to ever fight a major war over the issue of slavery. This argument was the most prevalent in between the late 1700 and 1800s. The debate over slavery was a hot topic due to it still being legal in most states. Along with the looming fear of a civil unrest or a slave rebellion the United States was on edge.

Today in class we discussed the Pro slavery and anti-slavery laws that where past in this time period. And how they shaped the beginning of the civil war and our nation as a whole.

Pro Slavery Events:

1740: Negro Act: Made it illegal for slaves to move abroad, raise money or food, earn money, or read or write English.

1793: Fugitive slave Law: A law passed that made it illegal to help, or assist escaped slaves. People were supposed to report in any escaped slaves they have found or seen. And if caught the saves would be returned to their masters no matter if they where in a free or slave state.

1793: Creation of the cotton gin: A machine that revolutionized the way cotton was produced. Before to get cotton ready for processing you would need to pick out seeds, and other debris. The cotton gin automated this process allowing for cotton to be produced much faster. This expanded the size and scope of plantations leading to the purchase and enslavement of many more African Americans.

1861: Battle of Fort Sumter: Opening Battle of the civil war confederate victory. This officially kicked off the American Civil war. The war would last over 4 years from 1861 to 1865. Ending in a Union victory and a official end to slavery.

Anti-Slavery Events:

Underground rail road 1800s: A network of houses and transport that would sneak slaves out of the country to the south to the north. This resulted in thousands of slaves being freed from bondage. Most went to Canada but some stayed in the Northern states.

Missouri Compromise 1820: Divided up the states into 2 factions. Allowing for most states in the south to keep slaves. While most in the North where free states and slavery was outlawed.

Nat Turners rebellion 1831: A slave rebellion that took place in Virginia. Nat Turner a rebel slave led the revolt. He went around Southampton county virgin slaughtering any white slave owners he could find. He was eventually stopped but managed to kill 65 to 55 people before he was stopped.

Dread Scott v. Sandford 1833-1843: A case involving Dread Scott a slave and his master Mr. Sanford. He was brought from a slave state to the new state of Illinois by his master. This resulted in a supreme court case with Mr. Scoot arguing that he was now a free man because he resettled in a free state. Unfortunately, this resulted in the supreme court ruling that African Americans where not American citizens, and therefor not protected by U.S. laws. Allowing Mr. Sandford to keep Scott as his property.