Chronology of Major Events Leading to Secession Crisis December
2, 1859—Radical abolitionist John Brown is hanged in Charles
Town, Virginia for attempting to foment a slave revolt. December
5, 1859-February 1, 1860—A protracted and acrimonious debate
over the House speakership occupies Congress for nearly two
months. The Republicans initially nominate John Sherman, an
Ohioan with moderate views on slavery, but Sherman’s support for
a controversial anti-slavery book entitled The Impending Crisis
derails his nomination. The Democrats counter with several
nominations, including Thomas S. Bocock of Virginia and John A.
McClernand of Illinois, but these nominees are also unsuccessful
in part because of splits within their party. In February, the
Republicans elect William Pennington as Speaker of the House
with 119 votes, the exact number needed to win. The debates in
Congress during this period are heated and many members carry
weapons. Southern congressmen talk openly of secession in the
event of a Republican pre