US History to 1877 (HY 135) Exam 5 Study Guide

William Lloyd Garrison, The No Compromise Speech, 1854

What document does Garrison use to defend his abolitionism?  Why does he think of himself as a "fanatic?"

The Declaration of Independence. Because he believes slavery is evil and insists on its complete abolition without compromise.

William Lloyd Garrison, The No Compromise Speech, 1854

Why has the South been able to dominate the North, politically?

The South prioritizes slavery above all else; the North prioritizes preserving the Union, even at the cost of justice and freedom.

William Lloyd Garrison, The No Compromise Speech, 1854

Why does Garrison believe that the North can no longer compromise on the issue of slavery?

Compromise has failed, endangered national ideals, and become idolatry of the Union over moral principles.

Alexander Stephens, The Cornerstone Address, 1861

What did the Founders of the United States get wrong?  

They believed all races are equal and slavery was wrong and would eventually end.

Alexander Stephens, The Cornerstone Address, 1861

What is the "cornerstone" principle of the Confederacy?

That Black people are not equal to white people and slavery is their natural condition.

Sullivan Ballou Letter to His Wife, 1861

For what cause is Ballou willing to sacrifice his life?

He believes the survival of the nation and its democratic ideals are worth any price, even death. He sees his sacrifice as a continuation of the legacy of the American Revolution.

Sullivan Ballou Letter to His Wife, 1861

What role does mysticism or religion seem to play in Ballou's sense of himself or relationship with his wife?

He imagines a continued presence with his wife after death, describing how he might be felt in gentle breezes or sensed during quiet moments. This reflects a belief in lasting emotional and spiritual bonds beyond life.

Sullivan Ballou Letter to His Wife, 1861

Do you think that Ballou's letter is intended to reassure his wife or himself?

It serves both of them. He tries to ease her grief with poetic promises of reunion and eternal love, but he’s also finding peace and courage by affirming his values and preparing himself emotionally for what may come.

George McLellan's Letter to Lincoln, 1862

What is Mclellan's advice as far as fighting the war?

Focus troops together, fight enemy armies, avoid hurting civilians or changing Southern society.

George McLellan's Letter to Lincoln, 1862

What does he say about confiscating property?  To what kind of property is he specifically referring?

No taking property without payment; includes enslaved people—don’t free or interfere unless needed.

George McLellan's Letter to Lincoln, 1862

Why does Mclellan think that both of these ideas are necessary for winning the war?

Keeps army united, avoids losing support, keeps foreign allies, avoids army falling apart.

The Mobile Bread Riot, 1863

Why were the women of Mobile angry and frustrated?

Starving, wanted food, peace, and end to war.

The Mobile Bread Riot, 1863

How did the soldiers react when Gen. Maury ordered them to suppress the women rioters?

Refused to fight women; sympathized with them.

The Mobile Bread Riot, 1863

How does the newspaper article differentiate between the Cadets and the soldiers?  What happened when the Cadets confronted the women?

Cadets = fancy, no battle experience.
Cadets tried to stop women—got beaten.

The Mobile Bread Riot, 1863

How did the city respond to the women?  Who ended up suffering from the most from the women's anger?

Leaders made promises to calm them.
Store owners, especially a Jewish one, faced most violence.

William Sherman's Letter to the Leaders of Atlanta, 1864

What is the military justification for Sherman’s orders regarding Atlanta? 

Atlanta needed for war use, not safe for families.
Helps defeat Confederate armies.

William Sherman's Letter to the Leaders of Atlanta, 1864

Why does he think he has no choice in giving his orders?

War is cruel but necessary.
Only way to end it is through Union victory.

Where Historians Disagree: Causes of the Civil War

What theories have Americans presented over the years in terms of the causes of the Civil War?

Historians and Americans have debated whether slavery, economics, culture, leadership, or politics caused the Civil War.

Where Historians Disagree: Causes of the Civil War

Slavery as Central Cause

Lincoln and many historians agree slavery was the main cause.

Where Historians Disagree: Causes of the Civil War

Irrepressible Conflict Theory (1860s–1920s):

War was inevitable due to deep divisions over slavery.

Where Historians Disagree: Causes of the Civil War

Economic Theory (Beard, 1927):

Clash between Southern planters and Northern industrialists.

Where Historians Disagree: Causes of the Civil War

Cultural Theory (Nevins):

North and South became "separate peoples" with different values and lifestyles.

Where Historians Disagree: Causes of the Civil War

Free Labor vs. Slavery (Foner, 1970):

Northerners feared slavery would hurt free white workers.

Where Historians Disagree: Causes of the Civil War

Revisionist Theory (1920s–1970s):

War wasn’t necessary—poor leadership ("blundering generation") caused it.

Where Historians Disagree: Causes of the Civil War

Ethnocultural Theory (Holt & others):

War linked to collapse of political parties over issues like temperance and immigration—not just slavery.

Juan Seguin, The Fate of the Tejanos, 1858

What was Sequin's original attitude toward Texas's independence?  

He supported Texas's independence, fighting in the revolution and serving in the legislature.

Juan Seguin, The Fate of the Tejanos, 1858

What did his "enemies" do to him?  Why were people like Seguin alienated in their own land?

Their enemies spread lies to damage their reputation because of their background and political views. People like them were often alienated in Texas for these reasons.

Where Historians Disagree: The Frontier and the West

In short, what is Turner's "Frontier Thesis?"  How did this interpretation influence other historians?

Settlement shaped American values of freedom and individual rights. Historians focused on the positive, heroic transformation of land.

Where Historians Disagree: The Frontier and the West

How did interpretations of frontier history begin to change after WWII?

After WWII, historians saw myths about the West. Some focused on tradition, not new ideas.

Where Historians Disagree: The Frontier and the West

How did the new western historians of the 1970s challenge Turner's thesis?  Why is the idea of a "frontier" inaccurate?

In the 1970s, historians said the West wasn’t empty, but already inhabited. They focused on conflict and conquest, not just settlement. The "frontier" ignored existing people and struggles.

The Late Convention of Colored Men; Address to the Loyal Citizens of the United States and to Congress, 1865

Why are the “colored citizens” of Virginia in distress? 

The colored citizens of Virginia are upset because, despite their help during the war, they are still being treated unfairly.

The Late Convention of Colored Men; Address to the Loyal Citizens of the United States and to Congress, 1865

How are they being let down by the government?

The government is failing them by allowing former rebels to regain power and control, leaving them unprotected.

The Late Convention of Colored Men; Address to the Loyal Citizens of the United States and to Congress, 1865

Why do they believe that they deserve better?

They believe they deserve better because they fought for the Union and helped win the war, so they should have equal rights, including the right to vote.

Susan B. Anthony on Women's Right to Vote, 1873

How does Anthony connect the issue of women’s rights to the issue of African American rights?

She connects women’s rights to African American rights by arguing that both groups are denied basic freedoms, like voting, and that laws treating them unfairly are unjust.

Susan B. Anthony on Women's Right to Vote, 1873

On what basis does Anthony challenge voting laws?

She challenges voting laws by arguing that the Constitution guarantees the right to vote to all citizens, and denying this right to women breaks the law.

Susan B. Anthony on Women's Right to Vote, 1873

What basic, philosophical question is Anthony trying to answer with her resistance? 

She is asking whether women are truly considered full citizens with the same rights, especially the right to vote.

Andrew Carnegie, "The Gospel of Wealth" 1889

What does Carnegie see as the basic division within all societies?  Does he see this as a problem, or a natural fact?

He sees a division between the rich and the poor, which he views as a natural fact, not a problem.

Andrew Carnegie, "The Gospel of Wealth" 1889

What "price" must society pay in the acquisition of wealth?  Why is competition necessary?

Society pays the price of inequality and hard conditions for some, but competition is necessary because it drives progress and material development.

Chief Two Moon Remembers the Battle of the Little Bighorn, 1898

What seems to be the interviewer's attitude toward Two Moons?

The interviewer seems respectful and acknowledges Two Moons' difficult past, noting that he speaks thoughtfully and hesitates to talk about fighting.

Chief Two Moon Remembers the Battle of the Little Bighorn, 1898

Why was Two Moons willing to fight the white soldiers?

He was willing to fight because his people had been killed, their horses stolen, and he felt it was necessary to defend his people.

Chief Two Moon Remembers the Battle of the Little Bighorn, 1898

What seemed to be the most important resource or "weapon" of both the Americans and Indians?  How were the Plains Indians able to fight white soldiers on a relatively even footing?

The most important resource was horses. The Plains Indians were able to fight on relatively equal terms because they had horses and fought with speed and mobility.

Chief Two Moon Remembers the Battle of the Little Bighorn, 1898

What did the Native Americans do with the bodies of the white soldiers?  How did Two Moons feel after the battle?

They stripped the bodies of the soldiers and left them where they fell. Two Moons felt sorrowful after the battle and noted that they did not have a dance that night.

W. E. B. Du Bois, Black Reconstruction in America 1935

Why were Americans - North and South - willing to "falsify" black history?

Americans, both North and South, were willing to falsify black history because they were ashamed. The South was ashamed of fighting to preserve slavery, while the North was ashamed for needing Black men to help win the Civil War and abolish slavery.

W. E. B. Du Bois, Black Reconstruction in America 1935

In Du Bois's time, what are students taught about Reconstruction?  Why had slavery been minimized as a "cause" of the Civil War?

Students were taught that slavery was not the primary cause of the Civil War and that Reconstruction was a failure. Slavery was minimized as a "cause" because of a desire to avoid confronting the nation's deep-seated issues with slavery, as well as to maintain a narrative that protected national pride.

W. E. B. Du Bois, Black Reconstruction in America 1935

Why is it critical for historians to tell a nation the real truth about itself?

It is critical for historians to tell the real truth about a nation because history must be accurate and honest to guide future generations. Without truthful accounts, history becomes distorted for propaganda purposes, which can lead to dangerous misinformation and perpetuate mistakes.

Where Historians Disagree: Reconstruction

What are some of the schools of thought as far as Reconstruction?  

Dunning School: Viewed Reconstruction as a failure, blaming Northern Radicals, corruption, and black unfitness for power.

Du Bois’s View: Saw it as an attempt to make society democratic, with overlooked achievements, especially in education.

Revisionist View: Focused on positive efforts by Radical Republicans to help freedmen, despite flaws.

Foner’s View: Emphasized political and social gains for African Americans, despite incomplete equality.

African-American/Women’s Views: Highlighted freed slaves gaining independence in family life, work, and community.

Where Historians Disagree: Reconstruction

Why do some scholars see Reconstruction as a failure, some as a success?

Failure: Didn’t end racial inequality, protected rights long-term, or stop Jim Crow.

Success: Made progress in education, black political participation, and social mobility.

Where Historians Disagree: Reconstruction

How might these historical interpretations influence our contemporary discussions over social justice?

Dunning: Could make people oppose social justice movements, thinking they’re too extreme.

Du Bois/Revisionist: Encourage continuing the fight for equality and justice.

Foner: Reminds that even small progress matters and can inspire current movements.

Barracoon Excerpts Part II

What were some of the challenges facing Cudjoe Lewis after slavery?

He faced challenges like lack of resources, unfulfilled government promises for land and assistance, and limited education and opportunities.

Barracoon Excerpts Part II

What seems to be his attitude toward his former enslavers and fellow slaves?

He felt disdain for his former enslavers due to their cruelty but had a strong bond with fellow former slaves, understanding their struggles and shared experiences.

Barracoon Excerpts Part II

Does Lewis seem optimistic about his future and community?

Yes, he was optimistic about the future, focusing on overcoming hardships and contributing to the growth and development of his community.

The Thornton Affair

U.S. troops attacked in disputed Texas border area; used by Polk to justify war with Mexico.

Monroe Doctrine / Ostend Manifesto

1823 policy telling Europe to stay out of Americas / 1854 secret plan by U.S. to buy Cuba from Spain to expand slavery.

Mexican Independence Movement

Started 1810, ended 1821; Mexico broke away from Spanish rule, opening door to future U.S. conflict over land.

John L. O’Sullivan, “Manifest Destiny”

Journalist who coined term saying U.S. had divine right to expand westward over continent.

James K. Polk / Mexican-American War

Expansionist president (1845–49); led U.S. into war with Mexico to gain Southwest lands.

Conscience Whigs / “Spot” Resolutions

Anti-slavery Whigs who opposed war / Lincoln’s demand to know exact spot where blood was shed.

Henry David Thoreau, Civil Disobedience

Refused to pay tax as protest; inspired later nonviolent resistance movements.

Dred Scott v. Sandford / Roger Taney

1857 Supreme Court case; ruled enslaved man had no rights, said Congress couldn’t ban slavery.

California Gold Rush

Began 1848; thousands moved west, sped up statehood, raised tensions over slavery.

Wilmot Proviso / Free Soil Party

Proposed ban on slavery in Mexican Cession / Party wanted land free of slavery for white settlers.

Compromise of 1850 / Fugitive Slave Act

California free state, but stricter law to return escaped slaves; deepened North-South divide.

Stephen Douglas / Popular Sovereignty

Illinois senator who supported letting states vote on slavery issue.

Kansas-Nebraska Act / Bleeding Kansas

1854 law allowing popular vote on slavery; caused violent conflict between pro- and anti-slavery settlers.

John Brown / Harper’s Ferry Raid

Abolitionist who tried to start a slave revolt in 1859 by seizing a federal armory; seen as hero in North, traitor in South.

Republican Party / Election of 1860

New anti-slavery party; Lincoln won presidency without Southern votes, leading to secession.

Jefferson Davis / Proclamation of Dec. 1862

President of the Confederacy; declared North was attacking Southern way of life and property (slaves).

Wallace Turnage

Former enslaved man who escaped multiple times; wrote a rare firsthand account of freedom journey.

Crittenden Compromise

Failed last attempt to stop Civil War by protecting slavery in Southern states and territories.

“contrabands” / Confiscation Acts

Runaway slaves treated as enemy property / laws allowing Union to take enslaved people from Confederates.

Gettysburg Address

1863 speech by Lincoln; redefined war as a fight for equality and preserving democracy.

Lincoln / Emancipation Proclamation

1863 order freeing slaves in Confederate areas; changed war goal to ending slavery.

Morrill Land Grant Act / Homestead Act ‘62

Laws giving land for colleges and free Western farmland; helped grow economy and settle West.

Transcontinentals

Railroads connecting East to West; helped unify country and speed up settlement.

Plains Indian Wars / Little Bighorn

U.S. military fought Native nations resisting removal; 1876, Native warriors defeated Custer’s army.

Pedestal Politics / Lost Cause Myth

Southern idea that slavery was noble, women were moral leaders; distorted history to justify Confederacy.

William Sherman / Total War

Union general who destroyed Southern infrastructure to weaken Confederate morale and economy.

Andrew Johnson / Black Codes

Lincoln’s successor; allowed Southern laws restricting freedmen’s rights to pass after war.

Wade-Davis Bill

1864 plan requiring strict loyalty oaths from Southern states; vetoed by Lincoln.

Presidential v. Congressional Reconstruction

President wanted leniency; Congress wanted protection for freedpeople and punishment for South.

Ku Klux Klan / Civil Rights Bill of 1866

White supremacist group using violence / first law giving citizenship and legal protection to Black Americans.

Freedmen’s Bureau

Government agency helping freedpeople with food, schools, and labor contracts after slavery.

Radical Republicans / “Bayonet Rule”

Congress members pushing for equal rights and harsh South punishment / Southern term for military-enforced Reconstruction.

13th / 14th / 15th Amendments

Ended slavery, gave citizenship, protected Black male voting rights.

Crop lien / sharecropping

Postwar farming system keeping Black families in debt and tied to land owned by white landlords.

“40 Acres and a Mule” / Field Order 15

Union promise of land to freed slaves; mostly broken after Lincoln’s death.

Dunning School / “The Redeemers”

Old historians who called Reconstruction corrupt / Southern leaders who took back power and restored white rule.

Credit Mobilier / Whiskey Ring Scandals

Major corruption cases under Grant; railroad company fraud and stolen tax money.

Election of 1876

Disputed election; ended in compromise where Hayes became president and Reconstruction ended.