30 mai 1854 - Kansas Nebraska Act

Description:

The Kansas Nebraska Act was introduced and spearheaded by Stephan A. Douglas of Illinois. He wanted a transcontinental railroad through his state. However, the strongest arguments against it were that the railroad would run west of the Mississippi (through Native American country) and that the new territory would likely become a free state. In order to appease both Northerners and Southerners, the bill would repeal the Missouri Compromise line and divide the Nebraska territory into Kansas and Nebraska, both of which could decide based on popular sovereignty. As a result, the Whig party was destroyed and many Northern Democrats left their party. The new northern Republican party was formed and instantly became a powerhouse in politics.