1 - United States History to 1877 Flashcards
This deck covers early American history, focusing on Native American cultures, European colonization, slavery, the Revolution, the Constitution, industrialization, westward expansion, sectionalism, the Civil War, and Reconstruction.
Identify:
Which region was home to the Iroquois Confederacy?
Northeast
Identify:
Type of dwelling was commonly used by Algonquian and Iroquoian peoples.
Longhouses
Describe:
Native American life on the Great Plains.
- Vast grasslands were inhabited by nomadic tribes, such as the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Apache.
- They were skilled hunters and horse riders, following buffalo herds for sustenance.
Identify:
Pueblo peoples
- Lived in present-day Southwest United States.
- Built adobe villages.
Examples: Anasazi and Hopi
Identify:
5 important Native American cultural commonalities.
- Strong connection to the land
- Oral traditions
- Complex social structures
- Spiritual beliefs
- Art and crafts
Explain:
European colonization objectives during the Age of Exploration.
- Expanded trade routes to Asia.
- Conquered new lands to expand their power.
- Spread Christianity.
Explain:
Importance of Bering Land Bridge theory.
- During the last Ice Age, lower water levels created a frozen bridge of land called Beringia.
- Land bridge connected present-day Siberia and Alaska, enabling the migration of people and animals.
- Without the bridge, it would have been challenging for humans to arrive in the Americas.
The Beringia land bridge is now modern day Bering Strait.
Describe:
3 impacts of European colonization.
- Expanded trade through the Columbian Exchange.
- Led to European colonizers murdering thousands of Native Americans to gain their land and spread their religion.
- Spread of diseases.
Explain:
How did the dynamics between European colonizers and Native Americans shape the course of early American history?
- Relationships varied from cooperative trade alliances (e.g., French in Canada) to aggressive conquest and exploitation (e.g., Spanish in Central and South America).
- Colonization led to significant displacement, population decline, and cultural disruption for Native Americans due to violence, disease, and land loss, profoundly altering the demographic and social landscapes.
Disease wiped out 95% of the indigenous population in the Americas.
Explain:
Relationship between Native Americans and enslaved Africans in North America.
Conflict: Native American and African peoples were pitted against each other by European colonists, who sought to divide and conquer.
Cooperation: Native American and African peoples often shared experiences of oppression and exploitation under European colonial rule. They sometimes formed alliances to resist their common enemies and to protect their shared interests.
Example: Creek War (1813), a conflict between the United States and the Creek Nation, many enslaved Africans living within Creek territory allied with the Native Americans against the Americans. The enslaved Africans, known as the Black Seminoles, sought refuge with the Creek and were often treated as equals.
Explain:
Economic impacts of slavery.
- Primary source of economic prosperity for European colonists in the Southern colonies.
- Enslaved Africans were forced to work on plantations, producing cash crops like tobacco, rice, and cotton.
- This labor enriched European plantation owners but perpetuated a cycle of poverty and inequality for enslaved Africans.
Explain:
Cultural effects of slavery.
- Enslaved Africans developed their own unique cultures, blending elements of their African heritage with the experiences of slavery.
- Cultural synthesis gave rise to new forms of music, dance, language, and religion.
- Institution of slavery also had a significant impact on European culture, as it led to the development of racist attitudes and beliefs.
Describe:
How did religion impact European colonization?
- Spain and Portugal brought Catholicism to the Americas and set up missions to evangelize the people there.
- Indigenous people were forced to convert to avoid war and conflict.
Describe:
How slavery played a role in European expansion.
- Labor for plantations and colonies.
- Drove economic growth.
- Facilitated the accumulation of wealth and resources in Europe.
Explain:
Why was the Columbian Exchange significant in terms of transformation in Europe, Africa, and the Americas?
- Drastically altered ecosystems and agricultural practices worldwide through crops like potatoes, maize, and tomatoes.
- New diseases led to significant demographic decline.
Explain:
How did the principles of mercantilism influence the economic policies and international relations of European nations during the Age of Exploration?
- Mercantilism led to the establishment of colonies as sources of raw materials and markets for finished goods, fostering a system where the colonies existed primarily for the benefit of the mother country.
Nations formed alliances and engaged in wars to protect and expand their trading interests.
Explain:
Why were early explorers focused on finding the Northwest Passage?
- A passage through the Arctic provided a much shorter route to the lucrative markets of Asia, particularly for spices, silks, and other valuable goods.
- Allowed Europeans to control a faster and potentially safer route to Asia than going around Cape Horn.
Describe:
How was Sir Francis Drake influential in North American colonial development?
- Disrupted Spanish dominance.
- Explored and mapped Americas.
- Boosted English morale and ambitions.
Explain:
How did Sir Walter Raleigh influence the establishment and motivations behind the founding of colonies in North America?
- New opportunities for wealth through the exploitation of natural resources and trade.
- Established the Roanoke Colony in present-day North Carolina.
- Strategic importance of colonies to challenge Spanish dominance.
Explain:
Why was Sir Walter Raleigh focused on finding the mythical city of El Dorado?
- Sought to enhance his status, wealth, and influence.
England was also fighting with Spain and other European nations for economic dominance and influence in the world.
Explain:
Why was John Cabot a signficant historical figure in exploring the New World?
- Led the first European expedition since the Vikings to land on the mainland of North America.
- Voyages provided the basis for England’s claims to territories in North America.
- Demonstrated the viability of a northern route across the Atlantic and encouraged further exploration and colonization efforts.
Identify:
Why were the French colonies in North America not as successful as the English and Spanish?
- disease
- weather
- conflict with native peoples or other European powers
Identify:
Importance of Jamestown.
- Virginia colony’s first organized government.
- First permanent English colony in Americas.
Explain:
What 3 strategies and policies did Jamestown implement to overcome its labor shortages?
- Adopted the system of indentured servitude, where individuals from England would sign contracts to work for a certain number of years in exchange for passage to the New World, food, and shelter.
- Created headright system which granted land to settlers for each person they brought to the colony.
- Brought in enslaved Africans in 1619.
Explain:
What was the significance of the Virginia House of Burgesses in the development of democratic governance in colonial America?
- Established in 1619.
- Pioneered representative government in colonial America, setting a precedent for elected legislative assemblies.
- Promoted local autonomy, legislative practices, and civic participation, influencing the development of American democracy and fostering early resistance to British rule.
Explain:
How did New France’s unique governance structure and economic activities shape its role in the broader context of colonial North America?
- Operated under centralized royal control through appointed officials (intendants), shaping its social and economic dynamics distinctively.
- The colony’s reliance on fur trade and alliances with indigenous groups like the Huron and Algonquin influenced settlement patterns, cultural interactions, and its strategic importance in early North American colonization.
Describe:
What were the key factors contributing to the rise and decline of New Netherland as a Dutch colonial entity in North America?
- Strategic location for trade, particularly in fur and other natural resources.
- Conflicts with neighboring English colonies weakened Dutch control.
Explain:
How did New Sweden’s establishment and interactions with indigenous peoples and neighboring European colonies contribute to the broader colonial landscape of North America?
- Established trade relationships with local Native American tribes which facilitated economic growth and cultural exchange.
- Conflict with neighboring Dutch and English colonies over territorial claims and trade routes.
Identify:
Why did the Pilgrims come to America?
Group of Protestant separatists in England wanted to escape religious persecution.
Identify:
How did the Pilgrims come to America?
- On a cargo ship called the Mayflower in 1620.
- Planned on settling in the former Virginia colony, but bad storms pushed them north to present-day Massachusetts.
Identify:
What was Plymouth colony known for?
- First self-governing colony in America.
- Created the Mayflower Compact to establish a set of governing rules.
The Mayflower Compact established the principle of self-governance, where the colonists would create their own laws and elect leaders to enforce them.
Describe:
Historical significance of Thanksgiving.
Meal shared between Europeans and Native Americans in 1621 to honor the friendship between the 2 groups.
The Native American tribe helped give the Pilgrims supplies and showed them how to grow their own food and hunt to survive.
Identify:
The New England Colonies and why they were established.
- Massachusetts Bay Colony - Founded by Puritans escaping religious persecution in England. They developed a theocracy where the government was ruled by religious leaders.
- Rhode Island and Connecticut - Founded by dissenters of the Puritans because they were too strict like oppression of women and limited voting rights.
- New Hampshire - Founded by overflow of colonists in MA and as a fishing and trading hub.
Identify:
The Southern Colonies
- Virginia and the Carolinas
- Maryland
- Georgia
Virginia and the Carolinas - Founded by the British Empire to make a profit for England. The Carolinas split because North focused on meat and provision production and South focused on using slaves to grow cash crops on plantations.
Maryland - Founded by Catholics from England to pursue their religion freely.
Georgia - Founded by poor people in England to get out of debt and start a new life.
Identify:
The Middle Colonies
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
Describe:
Why were the Middle Colonies significant in terms of early colonial history?
- Notable for their diverse population and high degree of religious tolerance.
- Known as the “breadbasket” colonies due to their fertile land and successful agriculture.
Explain:
The Headright System in the Virginia Colony and its impact on the economy.
- Each colonist was given fifty acres of land to create a plantation.
- Created a significant class divide between wealthy landowners and poor servants, leading to social issues that persisted for over 200 years.
Explain:
Why was the Maryland Toleration Act of 1649 an important aspect of American history?
- One of the first laws to explicitly guarantee religious freedom to all Christians, allowing them to practice their faith without fear of persecution.
- Set an important precedent for the inclusion of religious tolerance in American law.
Explain:
What conditions in Massachusetts caused the Salem Witch Trials to happen?
- Factors: Religious extremism, social unrest, political instability, and environmental hardships.
- Key elements: Puritan beliefs, fear of the devil, and the use of questionable evidence led to mass hysteria and unjust accusations.
Describe:
How did the First Great Awakening contribute to the origins of the American Revolution?
- Encouraged people to question authority and rely on their personal beliefs, which later influenced how colonists viewed British rule.
- Brought colonists together across different backgrounds and regions, fostering a shared identity and unity.
Describe:
Why did Montesquieu believe a system of checks and balances would safeguard individual liberties?
- Prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
- Argued for the separation of powers into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
- Each branch would have the ability to check and limit the powers of the others, ensuring that no single entity could dominate or abuse its authority.
By distributing power in this way, Montesquieu believed that individual freedoms would be protected from tyranny and oppression.
Describe:
How did Enlightenment ideals spread in the 13 colonies?
- Books, pamphlets, and newspapers containing Enlightenment ideas, such as John Locke’s writings on natural rights and social contracts, were widely circulated among the colonists.
- Promoted in colonial colleges, such as Harvard and Yale, where students studied philosophy and political theory.
- Intellectual clubs and societies, such as the American Philosophical Society, provided forums for discussion and debate, helping to disseminate Enlightenment ideas about reason, science, and government.
Influential colonial leaders, like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, played a key role in advocating these principles, which eventually shaped the colonies’ push for independence and democratic governance.
Explain:
How did the French and Indian War alter the balance of power among European powers in North America?
- War shifted territorial control in North America from France to Britain.
- Strained relations between British colonists and Native American tribes, contributing to future conflicts and resentment.
Identify:
The 5 Acts from the British Empire that led up to the American Revolution.
- Proclamation of 1763
- The Stamp Act
- The Townshend Acts
- The Coercive Acts
- The Quartering Act
Explain:
In what ways did the Boston Massacre influence the political and social dynamics that led to the American Revolution?
- Unified and intensified colonial opposition to British rule, portraying the British as brutal oppressors.
- Led to the formation of Committees of Correspondence, promoting coordinated resistance and spreading revolutionary ideas.
The Boston Massacre occurred amid protests and boycotts against the Townshend Acts, which colonists saw as abuses of British power. The presence of British troops to suppress these protests led to the fatal confrontation, uniting the colonies against British rule.
Explain:
In what ways did the Boston Tea Party contribute to the onset of the American Revolution?
- Direct defiance against British authority and the Tea Act of 1773 galvanized colonial resistance and unity against unjust laws.
- Britain enacted the Coercive (Intolerable) Acts in 1774 as punishment.
- Harsh measures further alienated colonists, making reconciliation difficult.
Outrage over the Intolerable Acts led to the formation of the First Continental Congress in 1774.
Explain:
How did the First Continental Congress play a role in starting the American Revolution?
- Convened in 1774, it brought together representatives from twelve of the thirteen colonies to address the Intolerable Acts imposed by Britain.
- The Congress endorsed a boycott of British goods, drafted a declaration of colonial rights, and agreed to form local militias, laying the groundwork for armed resistance.
This event played a crucial role in starting the American Revolution by uniting the colonies in response to British policies and fostering a collective resistance.
Explain:
3 ways African Americans impacted the Revolutionary War.
- Many enslaved Africans were forced to fight for the British or the Americans, often in exchange for promises of freedom.
- Some enslaved Africans escaped to British lines, hoping to gain freedom.
- There were a few black regiments that fought for the Americans, most notably the First Rhode Island Regiment.
Explain:
2 ways women impacted the Revolutionary War.
- Maintained households, farms, and businesses while men were at war, provided medical care, and supported wounded soldiers.
- Contributed to the Patriot cause through espionage, public protests, and, in some cases, disguised military service.
Example: Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, wrote extensively about the war and urged her husband to remember women’s rights in the new nation.
Examine:
Impact of foreign forces during Revolutionary War.
- France provided the Continental Army with essential supplies, weapons, naval support, and significant financial aid, playing a crucial role in the American victory.
- Hessian mercenaries fought alongside the British soldiers during several key battles.
Explain:
Role of Native Americans during Revolutionary War.
Some tribes formed alliances with the colonists, gaining advantages and protecting their interests, while also establishing diplomatic relations.
The war led to significant land loss, forced relocation, and cultural assimilation for many Native American tribes.
Explain:
How did the American Revolution culminate in the colonies achieving their independence?
- Culminated in the colonies achieving their independence through a combination of military victories, strategic alliances, and growing political unity.
- Key battles, such as the Siege of Yorktown in 1781, where British forces surrendered to the American and French armies, marked the turning point in the war.
- The revolutionaries’ alliance with France provided critical military and financial support, tipping the balance in their favor.
- The Continental Congress helped unify the colonies under a common cause, ultimately leading to the Treaty of Paris in 1783, where Britain formally recognized the independence of the United States.
Explain:
Significance of Battle of Lexington and Concord.
(1775)
- Marked beginning of major conflict between colonists and British forces.
- Inspired colonists to take up arms and fight the British accross the American colonies.
Identify:
What event led to France decide to begin supporting the American colonists?
Battle of Saratoga
(1777)
Explain:
What significant legacy did the Declaration of Independence leave behind?
Laid out foundational principles of individual rights and self-governance, serving as a beacon for democratic movements globally.
Describe:
How did the Articles of Confederation shape early American government and its relationship with individual states?
- Established a weak central government with limited authority, emphasizing state sovereignty over national unity.
- Led to difficulties in enforcing laws, regulating trade, and coordinating collective action among the states, highlighting the need for a stronger federal framework.
Explain:
How did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 influence the development of American territorial expansion and land policy?
- Provided a framework for governing territories and admitting new states, ensuring orderly expansion westward.
- Facilitated organized settlement and development in the Ohio Valley by establishing it as part of the Northwest Territory and providing a process for statehood, including for Ohio.
- Its prohibition of slavery and emphasis on education and infrastructure shaped the region’s social and economic growth, setting it apart from slaveholding areas and promoting its integration into the United States.
Identify:
3 key provisions of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.
- The abolition of slavery in the Northwest Territory.
- The right to a trial by jury of peers.
- The right to freedom of religion.
Explain:
3 ways the Great Compromise reconciled the interests of large and small states in the formation of the U.S. Congress.
- Created a Congress with two chambers: the Senate, with equal representation for each state, and the House of Representatives, based on population.
- Ensured small states had equal power in the Senate, with each state receiving two senators.
- Addressed large states’ concerns by basing House representation on population size, promoting fairness in legislative decisions.
Identify:
What did the Virginia Plan propose?
Bicameral government with proportional representation.
Identify:
What did the New Jersey Plan propose?
- One legislative body with equal representation.
- Federal taxation based on population.
How did the Founding Fathers reconcile the ideals of liberty and equality with the institution of slavery during the formation of the United States?
- Largely avoided the issue in foundational documents like the Constitution, focusing on uniting the colonies.
- Included compromises, such as the Three-Fifths Compromise, to gain support from Southern states that relied on slavery.
- Some, like Thomas Jefferson, expressed moral opposition to slavery but continued to own slaves, reflecting the deep contradictions of the era.
Identify:
Controversy surrounding the Louisiana Purchase.
Opposition due to the expansion of presidential power and unconstitutional purchase.
Explain:
What historical, political, and social factors contributed to the emergence and solidification of the two-party system in the United States?
- Debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists over the Constitution in the late 18th century laid the groundwork for the two-party system, with these factions evolving into the first political parties—Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.
- Winner-takes-all electoral system and single-member districts encouraged the formation of two dominant parties, as third parties struggled to gain traction in a system where only the top candidates win representation.
- Regional, economic, and ideological divides, such as those between the North and South or between agrarian and industrial interests, fueled competition between parties, reinforcing the two-party structure as each major party sought to represent distinct segments of the population.
Describe:
Significance of the Common Sense pamphlet.
Helped popularize the idea of independence among Americans.
This was written by Thomas Paine.
Identify:
Primary purpose of the Bill of Rights.
Protect individual liberties and rights from infringement by the government.
Added to the U.S. Constitution as a compromise between Federalists and Anti-Federalists during the ratification process.
Identify:
Important key rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.
- Freedom of speech, religion, press, and assembly
- The right to bear arms
- The right to be protected from unreasonable searches and seizures
- The right to a fair trial
- The right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment
Explain:
Importance of the Oregon Trail.
- Key route for westward expansion in the United States during the 19th century, enabling thousands of settlers to migrate and establish new communities in the Pacific Northwest.
- Played a crucial role in shaping the American frontier, helping to solidify U.S. claims to Oregon Territory and promoting economic development through agriculture and trade in the region.
The trail’s challenges and hardships became emblematic of the pioneer spirit, influencing American culture and inspiring stories of perseverance and adventure.
Identify:
4 Causes of Early Industrialization in the United States.
- Abundant natural resources: coal, iron, and timber
- Technological advancements: the cotton gin, steam engine, and interchangeable parts
- Transportation improvements: canals, railroads, and steamships
- Government policies: protective tariffs and land grants
Explain:
How did the United States change during the antebellum period?
- Shift from an agrarian economy to a more industrialized one.
- Growing wealth gap between the North and South contributed to social tensions, particularly over the issue of slavery.
- Religious denominations grew during this time, with various Protestant sects and Catholic churches gaining followers.
Describe:
4 consequences of early American industrialization.
- Economic Growth: fueled by increased production, expanded markets, and new job opportunities
- Urbanization: cities grew rapidly, leading to social and cultural changes
- Social Inequality: gap between the wealthy industrialists and the working class widened
- Immigration: The demand for labor attracted millions of immigrants from Europe
Explain:
Why was the Monroe Doctrine (1823) significant?
- Declared that the Western Hemisphere was off-limits to European colonization.
- Aimed to protect the newly independent nations of Latin America and assert U.S. dominance in the region.
- Became a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in the 19th century.
Explain:
What were the major challenges faced by the federal government as a result of westward expansion in the 19th century?
- Governance and Infrastructure
- Deciding how to balance free and slave states
- Native American Relations and Sectional Tensions
Explain:
How did challenges faced by the federal government during the Antebellum Period contribute to the outbreak of the Civil War?
- The expansion of the United States into new territories led to debates over slavery.
- The Missouri Compromise temporarily balanced free and slave states, but the Kansas-Nebraska Act repealed it, sparking violence and further dividing the nation.
- The Dred Scott decision supported existence of slavery, and Lincoln’s election opposed its expansion, leading to Southern states seceding and the Civil War.
Explain:
How did Westward Expansion impact American society?
- New economic opportunities and cheap or free land due to the Donation Land Claim Act of 1850.
- Journey was often arduous and many settlers died.
- Thousands of Native Americans were displaced because of some using the concept of Manifest Destiny with force.
Explain:
How did the annexation of Texas in 1845 influence the political and economic landscape of the United States?
- Significantly expanded U.S. territory, intensifying the debate over the expansion of slavery and contributing to tensions that eventually led to the Civil War.
- Provided the U.S. with vast new lands for agriculture and settlement, boosting westward expansion and the growth of the American economy.
Identify:
3 causes of the Mexican-American War.
- Mexico refused to acknowledge Texas as an independent state or its border that Texas claimed after the annex.
- The Wilmot Proviso, which proposed that all land gained from Mexico would be slave-free.
- Manifest Destiny.
Explain:
What were the key political and territorial outcomes of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that ended the Mexican-American War in 1848?
- California became independent and later a state.
- Ceding of additional land from Mexico to the United States, which would become seven states.
- Acceptance of the Rio Grande as the border between the two countries.
Explain:
How was the Compromise of 1850 a cause of the American Civil War?
- Attempted to address the contentious issue of slavery’s expansion by allowing popular sovereignty in new territories, intensifying sectional tensions.
- Highlighted deepening divisions between North and South over issues such as the Fugitive Slave Act, which increased northern resistance to federal enforcement of slavery laws.
Explain:
How did the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-1806 contribute to expanding American knowledge and influence in the newly acquired Louisiana Territory?
- Mapped previously uncharted territory, providing crucial geographical information that facilitated future westward expansion and settlement.
- Established diplomatic relations with numerous Native American tribes, paving the way for future trade and negotiation that helped integrate the region into the expanding United States.
What were the long-term diplomatic and cultural impacts of the Lewis and Clark expedition on Native American tribes encountered during their journey?
- Led to increased contact and trade between Native American tribes and Euro-American settlers, altering traditional tribal economies and social structures.
- Laid the groundwork for subsequent U.S. policies and treaties that sought to control Native American lands and assimilate tribes into American society, leading to significant cultural changes and conflicts over land rights.
Explain:
How did the War of 1812 impact the United States’ national identity and its standing in international relations during the early 19th century?
- Solidified American independence and identity by demonstrating the nation’s ability to defend itself against British aggression.
- Led to increased nationalism and pride in American achievements, while also contributing to a renewed sense of unity and patriotism among its citizens.
Explain:
What were the long-term consequences of the Indian Removal Act of 1830?
Resulted in forced relocation of Native American tribes west of the Mississippi River, leading to loss of traditional lands, cultural disruption, and profound intergenerational trauma among Native peoples.
Describe:
How did the Trail of Tears (1838-1839) reflect broader U.S. policies towards Native American tribes in the 19th century?
Reflected broader U.S. policies of forced removal and assimilation aimed at displacing Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to make way for westward expansion and settlement.
Explain:
How did sectionalism impact the United States prior to the Civil War?
- Deepened divisions between regions over issues such as slavery, economic policies, and states’ rights.
- Contributed to political polarization and culminating in the Civil War.
Explain:
How did the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision of 1857 influence the debate over slavery and the authority of the federal government in the United States?
- Denied African Americans citizenship.
- Upheld the legality of slavery in all territories, exacerbating tensions and intensifying the national debate over states’ rights versus federal authority.
Identify:
How did the Gettysburg Address redefine the purpose of the American Civil War and influence the nation’s perception of democracy and equality?
By emphasizing national unity and equality, transforming it into a struggle for human rights and democracy.
Identify:
4 causes of the American Civil War.
- Issue of slavery.
- Disagreements over states vs. federal rights.
- Economic issues.
- Abraham Lincoln elected president in 1860.
The North wanted to remove slavery but that would cripple the South’s economy since they relied on free labor for their farming.
Identify:
2 important consequences of the American Civil War.
- Abolition of slavery.
- Strengthening of federal authority over the states.
Explain:
How did the 13th Amendment fundamentally alter the social and economic landscape of the United States?
Fundamentally altered the social and economic landscape of the United States by abolishing slavery, thereby freeing millions of enslaved individuals and reshaping labor systems and social hierarchies.
Explain:
How did the 14th Amendment transform the legal and civil rights framework in the United States?
Transformed the legal and civil rights framework in the United States by granting citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the country, fundamentally altering the scope of individual rights and state authority.
Explain:
How did the 15th Amendment advance the pursuit of equality and democracy in post-Civil War America?
Prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude, marking a significant step towards enfranchisement for African American men.
Explain:
How did the ongoing Westward Expansion following the Civil War influence society?
Promoted economic growth, shaped cultural diversity, and accelerated the displacement of Native American tribes from their lands.
Identify:
5 reasons why Reconstruction failed.
- Persistent racial discrimination
- Economic hardships
- Political violence
- Removal of federal troops in 1877
- Compromise of 1877
All of these undermined efforts to fully integrate African Americans into society and secure their civil rights after the Civil War.
Explain:
Purpose of the Freedmen’s Bureau.
- Aid and protect newly freed African Americans during the Reconstruction era.
- Provided essential services such as education, healthcare, and land distribution, aiming to help them transition to freedom and achieve economic independence.
Describe:
Major challenges and limitations faced by the Freedmen’s Bureau.
- Bureau often lacked sufficient funding and personnel to meet the vast needs of the freed population.
- Racial prejudice from white Americans, including government officials.
- Effectiveness was hampered by political infighting and the changing nature of Reconstruction policies.
Explain:
How did African Americans become involved in government in the Reconstruction South?
- The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, granted African American men the right to vote.
- African Americans formed political organizations, such as the Union League, to educate voters, mobilize support, and advocate for their rights.
- African Americans were appointed to government positions by Republican governors and presidents, who sought to implement policies that benefited former slaves and promoted racial equality.
Describe:
Why did Southern states enact Black Codes?
To restrict the freedom and civil rights of African Americans, including limitations on voting, property ownership, and employment.
Explain:
How did sharecropping impact African Americans?
- Landowners often set unfair terms for sharecropping contracts, requiring tenants to pay high rents and fees.
- Tenants frequently found themselves in debt to landowners due to unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or crop failures.
- African Americans were often tied to the land and lacked the resources to start their own businesses or purchase their own land.
Identify:
3 ways African Americans were disenfranchised by Jim Crow laws.
- Poll taxes
- Literacy tests
- Grandfather clauses
