1.2 Party Changes & States Rights

These flashcards capture key concepts related to the sectional tensions and political changes in 1850s America, with a focus on the Whig and Republican parties, states' rights, and significant legislative events.

What did Amos Lawrence mean by ‘we woke up stark mad abolitionists’ in 1854?

It suggests a dramatic shift in perspective on slavery, indicating that many were pushed to radical views due to political events.

What years did the Whig party exist and what issue divided its members?

The Whig party existed from 1834 to 1854 and was divided by pro and anti-slavery politicians.

What was a significant concern for Whigs regarding slavery and U.S. expansion?

They believed that the expansion of slavery into new territories would threaten the stability of the Union.

What two major political outcomes resulted from the tensions in the 1850s?

The fall of the Democratic party and the rise of the Republican party.

Why did the Whig party attempt to keep slavery off their national agenda?

They aimed to focus on other issues to maintain support from both northern and southern members.

What are the four levels of law-making discussed in this course?

Local, State, Federal, and Constitutional.

What major act and court case are associated with states' rights in the 1850s?

The Fugitive Slave Act (1850) and Prigg Vs Pennsylvania (1842).

What was the nullification crisis, and how does it relate to states’ rights?

It was a conflict over states’ rights to nullify federal laws and represented the tension between state sovereignty and federal authority.

What was the purpose of the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

It aimed to allow territories to decide on the legality of slavery, exacerbating sectional tensions.

What does the term 'states' rights' imply from a Southern perspective during this period?

It indicated a fear that federal laws could infringe on their rights, particularly regarding slavery.