1815-1860 Spread of the cotton kingdom: cotton becomes the major staple crop in the South

1822 Denmark Vesey conspiracy: heightens fears, especially in South Carolina, for the security of slavery

1830-1840 Proslavery argument developed: South repudiates antislavery tradition of the Revolution in favor of the view that slavery is a positive good

1830-1860 Agricultural reform movement in upper South: restores profitability of agriculture in region

1831 Nat Turner Rebellion: precipitates debate over future of slavery in Virginia legislature

1832 Virginia debate: legislature declines to take any action against slavery, ending the issue in the South