Several chronological events before the Civil War worked in tandem to

lead up to the bloodiest war in American history. Whether it be political

instigations between the different parties and candidates from the North vs.
South, or the physical rebellions dichotomous with cultural movements, the
growing resentment between the North and South ultimately led to the
gruesome, but much needed Civil War.
First, the end of the Mexican-American provided the first opportunity
for major disputes over slavery, and the classification of territory into free
states and slave states. After the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was instigated
by Trist, an enormous amount of land was gained. However, disputes quickly
grew over whether this territory should be free states or slave states. The
Wilmot Proviso rose due to this and was proposed by David Wilmot. The
South repelled this idea through the Senate, despite being passed twice in
the House. Tensions quickly mounted between the North and South.
Next, the Compromise of 1850 was signed, causing further tensions as
both the North and South got benefits, but also lost vital components. For
example, the South allowed California to be admitted as a free state while
the North allowed for the Fugitive Slave Law, which worsened the conditions
for slaves. Another important factor is how the South allowed the banning of
slave trade in Washington DC, which was very near other slave states, such
as Virginia. These compromises left room for both sides to keep fighting for
what they believed is right, only worsening the tensions.
Furthermore, in 1852, Franklin Pierce literally utilized the political
platform as a place to discuss sectional and cultural differences, only
magnifying the tension building up on both sides. It served as a microphone
to those who wanted to voice their controversial opinions. An example of this
is Harriet Beecher Stowes book Uncle Toms Cabin, which gained wide
recognition in the North and used emotional appeals to show slaverys true
horrendous and evil nature.
Other actions that instigated further outcries include attempts to
extend slavery threw newly acquired lands. One prominent example is the
Ostend Manifesto, which looked to claim Cuba at any lengths with Spain. It
stated that Spain could either accept $120 million, or Cuba would be taken
by force (in other words, war). The North was angered as it was perceived
this was an attempt to acquire more land to extend slavery.
Lastly, another major aspect is the controversy over building a
transcontinental railroad in the North and South territories. First, the Gadsen
Purchase instigated worry throughout the North, as it provided possibility for
a Southern transcontinental railroad. Later on, the Kansas-Nebraska acts
proposed by Stephen Douglas seemed to have back fired against the North,
as Southerners would pour into Kansas, and the Lecompton Constitution
allowed Buchanan to admit Kansas as a slave state. Such quarrels on such a
national level filled the air with the idea of conflict and only angered both
sides more towards a violent outbreak. Many violent outbreaks did occur
such as Veseys rebellion and John Browns mass killings at Harpers Ferry.
Other abolitionist writers, such as Walker, believed that the only solution to

defeat slavery is to physically rebel. With such reforms in every nook and
cranny of the nation, there was no room left for anyone to simply ignore this
issue any longer.
In conclusion, political, social, and economic factors chronologically
lead up to the Civil War. Whether it be the territory disputes after the
Mexican-American war, or the Compromise of 1850, or even railroad
conflicts, all of these events definitely heightened tensions until suddenly,
neither side could tolerate the anger and caused the Civil War. Indeed, it is
fair to say that almost every major event, whether it be social, economic, or
political influenced the Civil War in some way.