How are all of the events from 1836-1861 all connected together

Question

How are all of the events from 1836-1861 all connected together? The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo 1848

Compromise of 1850, Kansas-Nebraska Act May 1854,

Bleeding Kansas 1854-1861

Lincoln-Douglas Debates August-October 1858

Harpers Ferry September 12-15, 1859

Lincoln's Election March 4, 1860

Civil War April, 12,186

Answer 1

They are connected through the expansion/containment of Slavery, it is also thought that the Mexican American War was mere practice for those who would play significant roles in the Civil War. Examples include Captain Robert E. Lee finding a "secret" path for American forces to travel through on their invasion of Mexico City. Lt. US Grant, had expert horsemanship and gained recognition for his bravery during a battle. Confederate President Jefferson Davis, served as Sgt. and got the commission of 2nd Lt. by the end of the war. General Winfield would be the one commanding generals in Mexican American War and would be the one to develop the Anaconda Plan that would be used in the Civil War.

Answer 2

Each of the named events that took place during the time period from 1836 through 1861 was related to US expansion and the opposition between pro-slavery supporters and the abolitionists. As such, they are connected to the direction in which our country was going,The Civil War.