What are some events between the period 1850 and 1861 that contributed to Southern secession from the Union.

THE COMPROMISE OF 1850.  As
the name suggests, this legislation, brokered by "The Great Compromiser," Henry
Clay, failed to completely satisfy either the North or South. Southerners were unhappy
that the New Mexico and Southern California territories were not granted slavery status,
and Northerners were upset at the strengthening of the Fugitive Slave
Act.

THE KANSAS-NEBRASKA
ACT OF 1854.  This legislation provided voters of the two states to
decide for themselves whether to allow slavery within its borders. It particularly
angered anti-slavery supporters in the North, and it served as a basis for the formation
of the new Republican Party.

RISE OF
ABOLITIONISM.  The abolition movement signified a growing trend of
anti-slavery popularity that horrified Southern slave owners. John Brown's Raid, and his
martyrdom by abolitionists, only further angered Southerners, who realized that their
right to own slaves was nearing an end.

THE
ELECTION OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN.  Lincoln's election was the last straw for
Southern states, who believed that Lincoln would soon introduce legislation to abolish
slavery in all states.