Country's Atmosphere
- Both sides on slavery issue took drastic measures to maintain what they perceived to be their freedom
- Maintaining balance between admissions of free and slave states into Union was essential in time leading up to and during Bleeding Kansas
- Between 1796-1836, Union alternated between admitting states as free or slave states (Davis 47-83)
- Culture of middle territories was proslavery mindset and contributed to country’s disagreement over Kansas
- Many Americans saw slavery as natural and essential aspect of society
- Southern states threatening to secede, Underground Railroad started to combat slavery
- Nativism also gripped nation, opposing them to those considered inferior (Bennett 268)
- Conflicts put much pressure on government to resolve various conflicts quickly and successfully