Hardening of positions: the Dred Scott decision; the Lincoln-Douglas debates; Harper's Ferry; local conflicts; the split in the Democratic Party
Between 1857 and 1860, a series of events pushed North and South further apart. Each event made compromise feel less possible and war feel more likely.
Real World
The Dred Scott ruling directly invalidated the Missouri Compromise, emboldening Southern politicians like John C. Calhoun's successors to demand slavery's expansion as a constitutional right — while John Brown's 1859 raid on Harper's Ferry convinced Southerners that Northern abolitionists sought violent insurrection.
Exam Focus
When asked to 'explain' hardening positions, link each event to a specific Southern or Northern reaction to demonstrate causation, not just description.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
How well did you know this?