Political Realignment Deepens
the Crisis
Chapter 3, Section 3
Early 1850’s
• Whig Party disintegrates
1854
• Republican Party is born
• Centered around the opposition to slavery
• Grew rapidly in the North
1855
• “Know Nothings” became American Party
• Formed by nativists as a group to keep
immigrants out of political power.
1856
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Republicans nominate Fremont for President
“Free Soil, Free Labor, Free Men, Fremont!”
Democrat James
James Buchanan wins the election
1857
• Dred Scott Decision
1858
• Lincoln-Douglas debates
1859
• John Brown leads raid on Harper’s Ferry