1793 The invention of the cotton gin, creating the southern cotton empire
1828 south Carolina refuses to pay the important tariffs, invoking states rights
1848 California acquired- too big to meet the terms of the Missouri Compromise
1850 California admitted as a free state- concessions offend Abolitionist
1852 "Uncle Toms Cabin" published in protest against Fugitive Slave Act
1854 Kansas allowed to vote on slavery- terrorist intimidate voters
1857 Dred Scott verdict- Supreme Court is protected by law
1859 John Brown captures Government arms and tries to stir up a slave rebellion
1861 Lincoln rejects last compromise because it would allow extension of slavery