Question

1. summarize why did the kansas territory become known as “bleeding kansas”?
2. draw conclusions how did john brown’s raid at harpers ferry increase tensions between the north and the south?
3. synthesize how did the dred scott case render the missouri compromise of 1820 unconstitutional?
4. analyze cause and effect why did douglas write the kansas - nebraska act?

Explanation:

1. In the Kansas - Nebraska Act of 1854, popular sovereignty was allowed for Kansas to decide on slavery. Pro - slavery and anti - slavery forces flooded Kansas to influence the decision. Violent clashes between the two groups ensued, leading to the name "Bleeding Kansas".
2. John Brown's raid at Harpers Ferry in 1859 was an attempt to start a slave rebellion. Southerners saw it as a threat to their way of life and the institution of slavery, while Northerners had varying reactions. This increased the already high tensions between the North and the South.
3. In the Dred Scott case (1857), the Supreme Court ruled that Congress had no power to prohibit slavery in the territories. Since the Missouri Compromise of 1820 had prohibited slavery north of a certain line in the Louisiana Purchase territory, this ruling made the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional.
4. Stephen A. Douglas wrote the Kansas - Nebraska Act to promote the construction of a trans - continental railroad. He also hoped to gain the support of the South for his railroad plan and to apply the principle of popular sovereignty to the question of slavery in the new territories.

Answer:

1. Pro - slavery and anti - slavery forces clashed violently over the slavery question.
2. It was seen as a threat to the South's way of life and institution of slavery.
3. The Supreme Court ruled Congress couldn't prohibit slavery in territories.
4. To promote a trans - continental railroad and apply popular sovereignty.