> CHRONOLOGY

1856
  • “Bleeding Kansas” pits anti- versus proslavery advocates.

  • “Sack of Lawrence” orchestrated.

  • Pottawatomie massacre kills five in Kansas.

1857
  • Dred Scott decision announced.

  • Congress rejects Lecompton constitution.

  • Panic of 1857 ripples throughout economy.

1858
  • Lincoln and Douglas debate; Douglas wins Senate seat.