The Kansasâ `` Nebraska Act of 1854 made the territories of Kansas and Nebraska . The Kansasâ `` Nebraska Act of 1854 created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska , opened new lands , repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 , and allowed settlers in those territories to determine if they would allow slavery within their boundaries . The initial purpose of the Kansasâ `` Nebraska Act was to create opportunities for a Mideastern Transcontinental Railroad .