What conditions lead to a minor war in Kansas?

Five years before the American Civil War, Kansas was already having it's own civil war. Kansas was just a territory in 1854, though it was sparsely settled, it was a strong candidateÊfor statehood. But before that could be established, the issue of slavery had to be settled by the resident settlers. It was because of this that the territory became hotly contested for on one side were the pro abolitionists and the other were the pro slavery constituents. Confrontations led from minor arguments to harsh and violent means which led to all out armed conflict.