1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act is passed. John Brown arrived in Kansas, he helps to defend Lawrence. 1856 President Pierce recognizes proslavery legislature in Kansas Territory. Brown- attack in response. The Pottawatomie murders, May 23-26.
Civil battles continue between free and proslavery states until federal troops restore peace.
Senator Sumner gives bitter anti-slavery speech and rift between both sides broadens. 1857 Dred Scott Decision in Supreme Court means fugitive slaves in a free state are not free and says Congress has no right to prohibit slavery in the territories. Kansas rejects Locompton Constitution and becomes a non-slaveholding state. 1859 Abolitionist John Brown with 21 men, seize U.S. arsenal at Harper's Ferry-hoping to start a slave insurrection. The Timetables of American History .