What was it?
This act was passed by the U.S Congress on May 30th, 1854. It allowed the people in the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves if they will or will not allow slavery inside their borders. Additionally, it served to repel the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
What caused it?
The original reason that this act was put up was to create opportunities for a Mideastern Transcontinental Railroad. Southern states wanted the railroad to go through the south, starting at New Orleans and ending at the southern tip of california. Stephen Douglas had supported the idea of a railroad heading to the Pacific Ocean that started at Chicago.
What did it influence?
The act created the two territories that are known as Kansas and Nebraska. The act opened new lands, repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, and allowed settlers in those territories to determine if they would allow slavery within their boundaries.