Chapter 10 Section 2: Guided Reading –
Protest, Resistance, and Violence
A. After the Compromise of 1850 is reached, Northern abolitionists continue to
attack slavery.
1. How had the Missouri Compromise proposed to limit slavery?
a. It had banned slavery north of the 36° 30’ line.
2. How did the Kansas-Nebraska Act propose to deal with the issue of slavery?
a. It proposed to divide Nebraska and Kansas; to repeal the Missouri Compromise in
order to allow slavery north of the line; to establish popular sovereignty in both
territories.
3. Why did Douglas believe that popular sovereignty would solve the problem of
slavery in the Nebraska Territory?
a. He thought that popular sovereignty offered the fairest, most democratic way to
admit new states. He also thought the Nebraska Territory would enter the Union as
two states (one slave and one free) maintaining the North-South balance.
4. Why did popular sovereignty, in fact, lead to “Bleeding Kansas”, instead of
settling the issue of slavery in the Nebraska Territory?
a. Settlers and fanatics from both sides poured into Kansas to cast votes on the issue of
slavery; fraudulent election led to the establishment of two state governments – at
first, one that was proslavery and then, an antislavery government; violence erupted
between the supporters of each side
B. Explain why John Brown is an important figure in U.S. history.
John Brown became a symbol of the violent disagreements on the issue of slavery.
Chapter 10 Section 2: Skillbuilder Practice –
Analyzing Causes and Effects
Three Reasons for Stephen Douglas’s Proposal of the Kansas-Nebraska Act
1.
One economic reason – Douglas wanted a railroad from Chicago to the West, which would bring
business and wealth to his hometown, Chicago
2.
One political reason – The railroad would strengthen the political position of the Midwest as a
balance between Northern and Southern factions.
3.
One personal reason – Douglas wanted to be president, and he needed to satisfy Southern leaders
to keep their support