Missouri Compromise-Civil War

Question 1

Missouri Compromise (1820)

Answer 1

The Missouri Compromise was an agreement made in 1820 that aimed to balance the power between slave and free states in the United States. It allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state while Maine entered as a free state, and it established a line at latitude 36°30’ north of which slavery was prohibited in the Louisiana Territory, highlighting the growing sectional tensions over slavery.

Question 2

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Answer 2

McCulloch v. Maryland was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1819 that established the principles of federalism and the supremacy of federal law over state law. This decision arose when the state of Maryland attempted to tax the Second Bank of the United States, leading to a significant ruling that reinforced the power of the federal government and its ability to create institutions necessary for executing its powers, thereby influencing political dynamics during the rise of political parties and the Era of Jefferson.

Question 3

Worcester v. Georgia (1832)

Answer 3

Worcester v. Georgia was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1832 that established tribal sovereignty and recognized the rights of Native American nations to govern themselves independently of state laws. This case highlighted the conflict between state laws and federal authority regarding Native American territories, particularly in relation to the Cherokee Nation’s land rights. The ruling is significant as it demonstrated the tension between federal government policies and states’ desires to expand their influence over Native American lands.

Question 4

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Answer 4

Gibbons v. Ogden was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1824 that clarified the scope of Congress’s power to regulate interstate commerce. The case arose when the state of New York attempted to grant a monopoly over steamboat navigation on its waters, which conflicted with federal licensing granted to Gibbons. This ruling emphasized the supremacy of federal law over state law and established a broader interpretation of the commerce clause, which significantly influenced the rise of political parties and shaped economic practices during the Era of Jefferson.

Question 5

Internal Improvements

Answer 5

The program for building roads, canals, bridges, and railroads in and between the states. There was a dispute over whether the federal government should fund internal improvements, since it was not specifically given that power by the Constitution.

Question 6

National Road

Answer 6

The National Road was the first major federally funded highway in the United States, constructed in the early 19th century to facilitate westward expansion and economic development. It connected the eastern states to the western frontier, playing a crucial role in the Market Revolution by improving transportation and communication across long distances. The road represented a significant shift towards federal involvement in infrastructure and paved the way for the growth of trade and migration into the west.

Question 7

2nd Bank of the United States

Answer 7

The Second Bank of the United States was a federally authorized national bank established in 1816, serving as a successor to the First Bank of the United States. It played a crucial role in stabilizing the American economy after the War of 1812, regulating currency and credit, and providing a central repository for federal funds. Its existence sparked significant political debate, reflecting the growing tensions between different regional interests and economic philosophies in the early 19th century.

Question 8

Era of Good Feelings

Answer 8

The Era of Good Feelings refers to the period in American history from roughly 1817 to 1825, characterized by a sense of national unity and political harmony following the War of 1812. This era is marked by the decline of partisan conflicts, especially after the Federalist Party diminished, leading to the dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party and the fostering of national pride amidst economic growth and territorial expansion.

Question 9

Adams-Oñis Treaty (1819)

Answer 9

The Adams-Onis Treaty, also known as the Transcontinental Treaty, was an 1819 agreement between the United States and Spain that ceded Florida to the U.S. and defined the boundary between the two nations. This treaty not only resolved longstanding territorial disputes but also highlighted the growing U.S. influence in North America and set the stage for westward expansion. The agreement demonstrated how regional interests in expansion and security were pivotal in shaping U.S. foreign policy during this era.

Question 10

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831)

Answer 10

In this court case in 1831, the Cherokees fought for defense against the Indian Removal Act and against the Georgia Legislature’s nullification of Cherokee laws. Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that the Cherokee had “an unquestionable right” to their lands, but that they were “not a foreign state, in the sense of the Constitution” but rather a “domestic, dependent nation” and so could not sue in a United States court over Georgia’s voiding their right to self-rule. Although this was a blow to the Cherokee case against Georgia, it cast doubt on the constitutionality of the Indian Removal Act.

Question 11

Monroe Doctrine

Answer 11

The Monroe Doctrine was a U.S. foreign policy statement made by President James Monroe in 1823 that warned European nations against further colonization and intervention in the Americas. This doctrine established the Western Hemisphere as a sphere of American influence and marked a turning point in U.S. foreign relations, emphasizing a commitment to protecting emerging Latin American nations and asserting the United States’ growing role on the global stage.

Question 12

Corrupt Bargain

Answer 12

The Corrupt Bargain refers to the alleged agreement made during the 1824 presidential election in which John Quincy Adams was accused of striking a deal with Henry Clay to secure the presidency in exchange for appointing Clay as his Secretary of State. This event is often seen as a pivotal moment in American politics, as it raised concerns about the integrity of electoral processes and the influence of political elites, impacting the expanding democracy and shaping the role of federal power under Jackson’s presidency.

Question 13

Tariff of Abominations (1828)

Answer 13

The Tariff of Abominations refers to the Tariff of 1828, which raised duties on imported goods to protect Northern industries but significantly harmed Southern economies. This controversial tariff became a catalyst for regional tensions, particularly between the North and South, and underscored the ongoing debates over federal power and states’ rights during Andrew Jackson’s presidency.

Question 14

American Plan

Answer 14

An economic regime pioneered by Henry Clay which created a high tariff to support internal improvements such as road-building. This approach was intended to allow the United States to grow and prosper by themselves This would eventually help America industrialize and become an economic power.

Question 15

Democrats

Answer 15

Democrats refers to a political party in the United States that emerged from the Democratic-Republican Party in the early 19th century. The party is characterized by its support for social equality, environmental protection, and government intervention in the economy, and it played a significant role in shaping American politics throughout its history.

Question 16

Whigs

Answer 16

The Whigs were a political party in the United States that emerged in the 1830s as a response to the policies of President Andrew Jackson and his Democratic Party. They championed a range of issues including economic protectionism, social reform, and federal funding for internal improvements, positioning themselves as the party of modernization and progress during a time of significant change in American society.

Question 17

Dorr Rebellion

Answer 17

Rebellion beginning in 1842 in Rhode Island, led by Thomas Dorr. Dorr and his followers, the Dorrites, were upset over the voting requirements in Rhode Island that allowed only landholders to vote. They held a “People’s Party” where they wrote up a revised constitution and set up a new government with Dorr as the governor. Dorr’s government won popular vote in an election. The old state government still claimed to be in power and began arresting Dorrites, calling them rebels. The Dorrites attempted and failed a raid on the state arsenal. Eventually, President John Tyler threatened to intervene on the old government’s behalf, stifling the rebellion. Though the old government did come back into power, the rebellion brought to the forefront the need for Rhode Island’s voting police to change. A new constitution was drafted with expanded suffrage.

Question 18

Spoils System

Answer 18

The Spoils System is a practice in which political leaders give government jobs and favors to their supporters, often without regard for their qualifications. This system became prominent in the early 19th century and was closely associated with the expansion of democracy, as it allowed for greater participation of ordinary citizens in government roles, but it also raised concerns about corruption and inefficiency.

Question 19

Nullification Crisis (1832)

Answer 19

The Nullification Crisis was a political confrontation during the 1830s between the state of South Carolina and the federal government regarding the issue of tariffs. It revolved around South Carolina’s assertion that states could nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional, highlighting the tensions between federal authority and states’ rights. This crisis is pivotal in understanding the conflicts over federal power, regional interests, and ultimately foreshadowed issues leading to the Civil War.

Question 20

Maysville Road Veto

Answer 20

1830 - The Maysville Road Bill proposed building a road in Kentucky (Clay’s state) at federal expense. Jackson vetoed it because he didn’t like Clay, and Martin Van Buren pointed out that New York and Pennsylvania paid for their transportation improvements with state money. Applied strict interpretation of the Constitution by saying that the federal government could not pay for internal improvements.

Question 21

Black Hawk War (1831-32)

Answer 21

A war in Illinois between and alliance of Sauk and Fox Indians under Black Hawk against white settlers in 1831-1832 in an effort to overturn what Black Hawk considered and illegal treaty ceding tribal lands in that state to the United States. This war was notable for the viciousness of the white military efforts.

Question 22

“Five Civilized Tribes”

Answer 22

The Five Civilized Tribes were the five Native American nations—the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole—that were considered civilized by Anglo-European settlers during the colonial and early federal period because they adopted many of the colonists’ customs and had generally good relations with their neighbors.

Question 23

Indian Removal Act (1830)

Answer 23

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 was a law enacted by President Andrew Jackson that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes living east of the Mississippi River to designated territories west of the river. This act aimed to open up land for American settlers and was rooted in the belief of Manifest Destiny, which justified expansion across the continent.

Question 24

Trail of Tears

Answer 24

The Trail of Tears refers to the forced relocation of Native American nations, particularly the Cherokee, from their ancestral homelands in the Southeastern United States to designated Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River during the 1830s. This tragic journey led to significant suffering, including disease, starvation, and death, highlighting the brutal impact of U.S. government policies on Indigenous peoples.

Question 25

Sequoiah

Answer 25

mixed-blood Cherokee who developed a writing system for the Cherokee. He, along with other mixed-bloods, was willing to adopt Western ways

Question 26

Bank War

Answer 26

Political battle between Jackson, Clay and Nicolas Biddle over the renewal of the U.S. Bank; Jackson vetoed the recharter, put funds in pet banks.

Question 28

Great Triumvirate

Answer 28

The Great Triumvirate is a term that refers to the three statesmen who dominated the United States Senate in the 1830s and '40s: Henry Clay of Kentucky, Daniel Webster of Massachusetts, and John C. Calhoun of South Carolina. All three were extremely active in politics, had been appointed United States Secretary of State, and had served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.Each was a distinguished orator and debater.

Question 29

Penny Press

Answer 29

publicized workers' demands for a ten-hour day and better wages as well as connected artisan needs to actions of political parties. The penny press flourished and included stories about political scandals and tragedies of the moment along with local, regional, and national news. It was also symbolic of the growing popular participation in the government.

Question 30

Erie Canal (1825)

Answer 30

The Erie Canal is a man-made waterway that connects the Hudson River with Lake Erie, completed in 1825. It played a crucial role in the Market Revolution by significantly reducing transportation costs and time for goods, thereby facilitating trade and economic growth in the northern states. Its construction also reflected regional interests and tensions, as it opened up the interior of New York and connected the agricultural Midwest to the eastern markets, influencing political dynamics in the early 19th century.

Question 31

Trunk Lines

Answer 31

Four major eastern railroad networks, or trunk lines, emerged from a flurry of mergers and consolidations. All were designed to connect the eastern seaports to the Great Lakes and western rivers.

Question 32

Samuel Morse

Answer 32

Samuel Morse was an American inventor and artist who is best known for co-developing the telegraph and creating Morse code, a system of dots and dashes used for transmitting messages. His innovations were pivotal in transforming communication during the 19th century, connecting distant places in a fraction of the time it previously took and playing a crucial role in economic expansion and social interaction.

Question 33

Irish Potato Famine

Answer 33

The Irish Potato Famine, also known as the Great Famine, was a catastrophic period of mass starvation and disease in Ireland from 1845 to 1852, primarily caused by a potato blight that devastated the staple crop. This famine led to significant emigration from Ireland, particularly to the United States, as people sought refuge from hunger and poverty. It played a crucial role in shaping immigration patterns and the demographics of future generations.

Question 34

Know Nothings

Answer 34

The Know-Nothings were a nativist political movement in the United States during the mid-19th century that emerged in response to the influx of immigrants, particularly from Ireland and Germany. This movement was characterized by its strong anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic sentiments, as well as its advocacy for policies that favored native-born Americans. The Know-Nothings aimed to protect American jobs and culture from what they perceived as the threat posed by immigrants, which significantly influenced the political landscape during a time of increasing sectional conflict.

Question 35

Nativism

Answer 35

Nativism is the political and social ideology that favors the interests of native inhabitants over those of immigrants. This concept often emerges in response to significant immigration waves, leading to a preference for established residents and a suspicion or hostility toward newcomers. Nativism shapes societal attitudes, policies, and legislation regarding immigration and cultural integration.

Question 36

Lowell System

Answer 36

The Lowell System was a labor and production model that emerged in the early 19th century, primarily associated with textile mills in Lowell, Massachusetts. This system was notable for employing young women, known as 'Mill Girls,' who worked under strict conditions and were provided with housing, education, and social opportunities. It represented a significant shift in labor practices during the Market Revolution, highlighting both the industrialization of America and the changing roles of women in society.

Question 37

Corporation

Answer 37

Corporations are legal entities that are separate from their owners, allowing them to operate as independent businesses with rights and responsibilities. This structure enables corporations to raise capital, limit liability for owners, and operate on a larger scale, which became especially important during periods of industrial growth. As a result, corporations played a central role in shaping economic power dynamics and political influence during significant historical periods.

Question 38

Patents

Answer 38

a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor or his assignee for a limited period of time in exchange for a disclosure of an invention; allowed for increase in American inventions

Question 39

McCormick Reaper

Answer 39

The McCormick Reaper was a revolutionary agricultural invention developed by Cyrus McCormick in 1831 that mechanized the process of harvesting grain, significantly increasing efficiency and productivity on farms. This invention played a crucial role in transforming agriculture during the Market Revolution, facilitating larger-scale farming and contributing to westward expansion by making it easier to cultivate vast tracts of land in the American Midwest.

Question 40

Women’s Separate Sphere

Answer 40

Middle-class ideal where home life was strictly separated from the workplace and women's roles were separate from men’s, with women running the household and men earning money outside it.

Question 41

Godey’s Lady’s Book

Answer 41

popular magazine marketed specifically for women which contained art, poetry and articles; a place where women could get their works published and important topics could be discussed

Question 42

King Cotton

Answer 42

King Cotton refers to the dominant role that cotton played in the Southern economy and society during the early 19th century, particularly in the context of the Agricultural South. This phrase highlights how cotton became a critical cash crop that not only fueled the economy but also shaped social hierarchies, labor systems, and political dynamics, solidifying the South's reliance on slavery and agrarianism.

Question 43

Cotton Factors

Answer 43

cotton production boomed in the newly settled areas of what was known as both the lower and deep south, and the prospect of tremendous profits attracted new settlers by the thousands, some wealthy planters from other states, and others small slaveholders.

Question 44

Deep South

Answer 44

The Deep South refers to the region of the Southern United States that is characterized by a strong agricultural economy, a high reliance on slave labor, and a distinct cultural identity. This area became a focal point for the antebellum debate over slavery, leading to its pivotal role in the events surrounding the Civil War and shaping social dynamics during the early Republic.

Question 45

Southern Cavalier

Answer 45

White southerners were "cavaliers"-happily free from the base, acquisitive instinct of the "yankees" to their north; more concerned w/ a refined and gracious way of life than w/rapid growth & development. This is what created how we think of southerners of this time; "southern gentlemen and ladies"

Question 46

Task/Gang System

Answer 46

The Task System was a labor system used primarily in the agricultural sector of the southern United States, where enslaved African Americans were assigned specific tasks to complete each day rather than working until a quota was met. This method allowed for a degree of autonomy, as workers could often manage their own time once they completed their assigned tasks. The Task System is important in understanding the lives of African Americans during the Early Republic and how different labor systems influenced their daily existence and resistance strategies; This system contrasted sharply with the Gang System, where enslaved people worked under strict supervision with no individual task completion, leading to harsher conditions; slaves preferred task, slavers preferred gang

Question 47

Slave Codes

Answer 47

Slave Codes were laws established in the colonies to define the status of enslaved people and the rights of their owners. These codes aimed to control the enslaved population, restrict their movements, and prevent rebellions. They were essential in creating a legal framework that supported the institution of slavery, particularly in British colonies, and reflected the deeply entrenched racial hierarchy that developed in both Spanish and British colonial systems.

Question 48

Nat Turner’s Revolt (1831)

Answer 48

Nat Turner’s Rebellion was a significant slave uprising that took place in Virginia in August 1831, led by enslaved African American Nat Turner. This rebellion was rooted in the widespread dissatisfaction with the brutal conditions of slavery and was a response to the oppressive system that sought to control African Americans. The uprising resulted in the deaths of around 60 white individuals and led to severe retaliatory measures by slave owners, which intensified the fear of rebellion among Southern states and ultimately influenced the conversation about slavery and abolition in America.

Question 49

Frederick Douglass

Answer 49

Frederick Douglass was a prominent African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman who escaped from slavery and became a leading voice in the fight for the rights of African Americans. His powerful speeches and writings emphasized the need for equality and justice, making significant contributions to the movements advocating for abolition, women's rights, and civil rights.

Question 50

Spirituals

Answer 50

Slaves hardly had a culture of their own and singing was one that brought them together. They would pass the time in fields and daily tasks singing. On Sundays, they would fill the churches and sing. Most songs were passed down from African and Caribbean ancestors which helped them escape from the hardships they faced.

Question 51

AME Church

Answer 51

The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) is a historically Black denomination that was founded in 1816 as a response to racial discrimination within the Methodist church. It emerged during a time when African Americans were seeking religious and social autonomy, offering a space for worship and community leadership that was free from the constraints of racism. The AME Church became a crucial institution for African Americans in the Early Republic, as it not only provided spiritual guidance but also played a significant role in advocating for civil rights and social justice.

Question 52

2nd Great Awakening

Answer 52

The Second Great Awakening was a widespread religious revival movement that swept through the United States during the early 19th century, characterized by fervent preaching, emotional conversions, and an emphasis on personal salvation. This movement significantly influenced social reforms, including abolitionism and women's rights, reshaping American culture and promoting democratic ideals.

Question 53

Temperance

Answer 53

Temperance refers to the social movement advocating for moderation or complete abstinence from alcohol consumption. This movement gained significant momentum in the 19th century as a response to the negative effects of excessive drinking on society, families, and individuals, which intertwined with various reform movements aimed at improving moral and social conditions.

Question 54

Dorothea Dix

Answer 54

Dorothea Dix was an American social reformer and advocate for the mentally ill, known for her pioneering work in improving the conditions of asylums in the 19th century. Her efforts brought national attention to the plight of individuals with mental health issues, leading to significant reforms in mental health care and the establishment of more humane treatment practices across the United States.

Question 55

Horace Mann

Answer 55

Horace Mann was an American educational reformer known as the 'Father of the American Public School System.' He advocated for universal public education and believed that education was essential for democracy and social equality. Mann's ideas helped shape the modern education system in the United States, making education more accessible and organized during a time of significant social reform.

Question 56

Seneca Falls Declaration (1848)

Answer 56

The Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 was the first women's rights convention held in the United States, marking a pivotal moment in the early women's suffrage movement. It was organized by activists Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, where they gathered to discuss the social, civil, and religious rights of women. The convention produced the Declaration of Sentiments, which outlined grievances and demanded equality for women, setting the stage for future advocacy and reform.

Question 57

American Colonization Society

Answer 57

The American Colonization Society (ACS) was an organization founded in 1816 that aimed to resettle free African Americans in Africa, specifically in a colony that became Liberia. The society was established during a period of significant social reform and sought to address the complexities of slavery and race in the United States by promoting the idea that free blacks could better thrive in Africa than in America, highlighting tensions around race relations during the early republic.

Question 58

William Lloyd Garrison

Answer 58

William Lloyd Garrison was a prominent American abolitionist, journalist, and social reformer best known for his influential newspaper, The Liberator, which advocated for the immediate emancipation of enslaved people. His fervent beliefs in equality and social justice connected with various reform movements during the early to mid-19th century, reflecting the broader context of social change and moral awakening that defined that era.

Question 59

Frederick Douglass

Answer 59

Frederick Douglass was a prominent African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman who escaped from slavery and became a leading voice in the fight for the rights of African Americans. His powerful speeches and writings emphasized the need for equality and justice, making significant contributions to the movements advocating for abolition, women's rights, and civil rights.

Question 61

Gag Rule

Answer 61

The "Gag Rule" was an act of Congress that was passed in 1836 in response to the overwhelming amount of petitions and letters that were being sent to Congress that demanded the abolishment of slavery. Southern Pro-Slavery congressmen and some Northern Congressmen teamed together and had the resolution passed. According to the resolution, when the House of Representatives received any petition or letter that condemned slavery, they were to immediately put it aside indefinably so that it wouldn't be considered. The resolution gradually gained widespread resentment and was repealed about ten years later. This was significant because it proved how important slavery was to the southerners and the extremes they would go to to protect it, even if eventually it meant war.

Question 62

Manifest Destiny

Answer 62

Manifest Destiny is the 19th-century belief that it was the divine right and destiny of the United States to expand its territory across the North American continent. This idea not only justified westward expansion but also influenced the nation's political, social, and cultural development during this period.

Question 63

Steven Austin

Answer 63

Stephen Austin was the original settler of Texas. Austin granted land from Mexico only with assurance that there would be no slavery. He converted to Roman Catholic and learned Spanish. The city, Austin, Texas, was named after him. Stephen Austin brought the first Americans into Texas because he was granted permission by the Mexicans. He was also the leader of Texas settlers in 1820.

Question 64

Santa Anna

Answer 64

was a general that seized power of Mexico as a dictator, he increased the powers of the national government at the expense of the state governments, a measure that Texans from the United States assumed Santa Anna was aiming directly at them.

Question 65

Sam Houston

Answer 65

Sam Houston was a prominent American soldier and politician, best known for his role in leading Texas to independence from Mexico and serving as the first President of the Republic of Texas. His leadership during the Texas Revolution, particularly at the Battle of San Jacinto, was crucial in securing Texas’ autonomy, which later influenced the broader context of the Mexican–American War.

Question 66

James K. Polk

Answer 66

James K. Polk was the 11th President of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. He is best known for his strong advocacy of Manifest Destiny, which was the belief that American expansion across the continent was both justified and inevitable. Polk's presidency significantly shaped the territorial boundaries of the United States through territorial acquisitions and military conflicts.

Question 67

54°40’ Or Fight

Answer 67

'54° 40' or fight!' was a slogan used during the 1844 presidential campaign, advocating for the U.S. to claim the entire Oregon Territory up to latitude 54° 40'. This phrase reflects the heightened tensions between the United States and Great Britain over territorial disputes in the Pacific Northwest, illustrating the spirit of expansionism that characterized the era of Manifest Destiny. The phrase symbolized the desire for U.S. expansion and showcased the willingness to confront foreign powers to achieve territorial claims.

Question 68

Mexican-American War (1847-48)

Answer 68

The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily over territorial disputes following the U.S. annexation of Texas. This war resulted in significant land gains for the United States, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.

Question 69

Treaty Of Guadalupe-Hidalgo (1848)

Answer 69

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was an 1848 agreement that ended the Mexican–American War and resulted in the U.S. acquiring a vast amount of territory. This treaty significantly altered the geographical and political landscape of North America, transferring present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming from Mexico to the United States. It also established the Rio Grande as the border between Texas and Mexico.

Question 70

Treaty Of Fort Laramie (1851)

Answer 70

1851 treaty with indian nations located near fort laramie in wyoming. the treaty asked each indian nation to keep to a limited area in return for money, domestic animals, agricultural tools, and other goods (reservations- theirs forever)

Question 71

Oregon Trail

Answer 71

The Oregon Trail was a historic overland route used by thousands of American pioneers during the mid-1800s to migrate westward to the Oregon Territory. This 2,170-mile path was a key component of the larger movement toward Manifest Destiny, reflecting the belief that the United States was destined to expand across North America. The trail facilitated the westward expansion by enabling settlers to traverse the difficult terrain and settle in new lands, leading to significant social and cultural developments as diverse groups interacted and established communities along the way.

Question 72

California Gold Rush

Answer 72

The California Gold Rush was a mass migration of an estimated 300,000 people to California between 1848 and 1855 after gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in Coloma. This event significantly influenced the westward expansion of the United States, spurring economic growth and cultural exchange, while also intensifying conflicts over land and resources.

Question 73

Wilmot Proviso

Answer 73

The Wilmot Proviso was a legislative proposal introduced in 1846 aiming to ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico as a result of the Mexican-American War. This proposal highlighted the growing sectional tensions between the North and South and fueled debates over slavery's expansion into newly acquired lands, which became a significant issue in American politics during this period.

Question 74

Popular Sovereignty

Answer 74

Popular sovereignty is the political doctrine that the legitimacy of government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, typically expressed through their elected representatives. This principle was crucial in the debates over the expansion of slavery into new territories, as it empowered settlers in those areas to decide whether they would allow slavery or not, impacting key events leading up to the Civil War.

Question 76

Personal Liberty Laws

Answer 76

Personal Liberty Laws were statutes enacted by several Northern states in the mid-19th century to counteract the Fugitive Slave Act and protect the rights of escaped slaves. These laws aimed to provide legal protections and guarantee that individuals could not be forcibly returned to slavery without due process, reflecting the growing sectional conflict between free and slave states. By asserting the rights of free blacks and those escaping from slavery, Personal Liberty Laws became a significant point of contention in the escalating tensions leading up to the Civil War.

Question 77

Compromise Of 1850

Answer 77

The Compromise of 1850 was a set of legislative measures aimed at easing tensions between free and slave states after the Mexican-American War, which included California's admission as a free state and a stricter Fugitive Slave Law. This compromise sought to balance the interests of the North and South, addressing the ongoing sectional conflict and setting the stage for future disputes over slavery.

Question 78

Stephen Douglas

Answer 78

Stephen Douglas was an influential American politician and leader of the Democratic Party in the mid-19th century, best known for his role in promoting the Compromise of 1850 and the Kansas-Nebraska Act. His advocacy for popular sovereignty, which allowed settlers in territories to decide the issue of slavery, intensified sectional conflict and set the stage for his significant involvement in the events leading up to the Civil War.

Question 80

Free Soil Party

Answer 80

The Free Soil Party was a short-lived political party in the United States that emerged in the late 1840s, primarily focused on opposing the expansion of slavery into the western territories. Formed by discontented members of the Democratic and Whig parties, it advocated for free soil for free men, emphasizing that slavery should not extend into new lands acquired during the Mexican-American War. The party played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape during a time of growing sectional tensions over slavery.

Question 81

Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)

Answer 81

The Kansas-Nebraska Act was a pivotal piece of legislation passed in 1854 that allowed the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves whether they would allow slavery within their borders through the principle of popular sovereignty. This act intensified sectional conflict, contributed to the failure of previous compromises regarding slavery, and led to violent confrontations known as 'Bleeding Kansas' as pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions rushed into the territories to influence the vote.

Question 82

Bleeding Kansas

Answer 82

Bleeding Kansas refers to the violent conflict that erupted in the Kansas Territory between 1854 and 1859 over the issue of slavery, following the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed settlers to determine if they would permit slavery. This period of unrest highlighted the failure of compromises aimed at resolving the sectional divide in America, fueled by the growing tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions and underscored the deepening sectional conflict in the years leading up to the Civil War.

Question 83

Republican Party

Answer 83

The Republican Party is a political party in the United States founded in the 1850s, primarily to oppose the expansion of slavery into the territories. The party emerged as a response to the failures of existing political compromises and grew in prominence during significant events such as the election of 1860, which ultimately led to the secession of several Southern states. Over time, it has evolved to address various social, economic, and political issues throughout American history.

Question 84

Dred Scott Case

Answer 84

The Dred Scott case was a landmark Supreme Court decision in 1857 that denied enslaved African American Dred Scott his freedom and ruled that African Americans could not be considered citizens of the United States. This case underscored the failure of compromises made over slavery, as it further polarized the nation and deepened sectional tensions between the North and South, contributing to the onset of the Civil War.

Question 85

John Brown

Answer 85

John Brown was an abolitionist who believed in the use of violence to overthrow the institution of slavery in the United States. He is best known for his raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859, where he attempted to initiate a slave uprising, highlighting the growing tensions and conflicts between the North and South over slavery.