OTD 165 YEARS AGO: The fall of Fort Sumter and Abraham Lincoln’s militia proclamation sparks a surge of patriotism and mass mobilizations in both North and South.
Tag: Stephen A. Douglas
To Redress Wrongs Already Long Enough Endured
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: President Lincoln issues a proclamation calling on 75,000 volunteers to join their state militias to help force the Confederate states back into the Union. He also calls for a special session of Congress to assemble on July 4 in an effort to unite northern Republicans and Democrats against the Confederacy.
A Breakwater Between North and South
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Outgoing President James Buchanan wraps up his term by creating the Dakota and Nevada territories, and approving increased import taxes. Buchanan then reflects upon his handling of the secession crisis.
Lincoln Gets Acquainted with Washington
President-elect Abraham Lincoln engages in various meetings in Washington, visits the U.S. Capitol to hold discussions with key politicians, and finalizes his inaugural address. Lincoln also faces pressure to compromise on slavery, but he hold firm against allowing slavery to spread.
We Have Had Enough Controversies About Kansas
President James Buchanan signs a bill into law making “Bleeding Kansas” the 34th state of the Union.
An Open Shame to the United States
The Senate fails to adopt John J. Crittenden’s compromise plan due to Republicans’ refusal to expand slavery. This prompts more last-ditch efforts at conciliation, but it demonstrates the deep division that threatens to permanently break the Union.