Unit 6 Review

Joint Occupation of Oregon

Europe and the U.S. Both shared the Oregon Territory

What was 54 40?

The Northern boundary line for Oregon, Polk’s campaign slogan

Texas Revolt Causes

Political and economic factors that led to the Texas Revolt: Mexican government's centralization of power, imposition of taxes, restrictions on immigration, and abolition of slavery.

Sam Houston

American politician and soldier who played a significant role in the Texas Revolution. He served as the President of the Republic of Texas and later became a U.S. Senator. Known for his leadership skills and diplomacy, he successfully negotiated the annexation of Texas into the United States.

Annexation of Texas

The process by which Texas became a part of the United States in 1845, after being an independent republic for nine years. Was initially met with pushback due to the fear it might start a war over slavery in the new territories.

Election of 1844

Presidential election held in 1844 between James K. Polk (Democrat) and Henry Clay (Whig). Polk won by advocating for the annexation of Texas and the expansion of American territory. Henry Clay and Van Buren both were cast aside due to their refusal to annex Texas. This election is significant as it led to the Mexican-American War and the acquisition of California and the Southwest.

Mormons - Persecution/Joseph Smith

Religious group faced persecution in 19th century. Founded by Joseph Smith in 1830. Believed in additional scripture, Book of Mormon. Smith claimed to have visions and restored the true church. Mormons faced violence and discrimination due to Smith’s criminal record and tolerance of polygamy.

Brigham Young

Led the Mormons to Salt Lake City, Utah after Joseph Smith died.

Neuces vs. Rio Grande River

Border dispute between Texas and Mexico over the boundary between the Neuces River and the Rio Grande River. Led to the Mexican-American War in 1846. Instigated by American military expeditions into Mexican territory they claimed was “theirs.”

Henry David Thoreau

An example of someone jailed for refusing to pay taxes due in protest of the war. Think Civil Disobedience.

Spot Resolutions

Congressional resolutions introduced in 1846 by Abraham Lincoln, questioning President Polk's justification for the Mexican-American War. They demanded proof of the exact spot where American blood was shed on American soil. The resolutions were seen as a challenge to Polk's war policies and sparked debate on the war's necessity. Lincoln, along with others who signed the spot resolutions would be cast out of politics.

Zachary Taylor

War hero of the Mexican War who led Americans to victory. Would later have a career in politics and be elected as president in 1848 by avoiding discussion on controversial topics and riding on his patriotic symbolism. Would accuse the South of holding California hostage in order to further their political agenda (slavery). Would die before he could speak out due to an infection.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Ended the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). Mexico ceded 55% of its territory to the US, including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and parts of Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma. US paid Mexico $15 million in compensation.

Gadsden Purchase

An additional purchase of land from Mexico in 1853.

Free Soil vs. Abolitionism

Free Soilists were a party running against the expansion of slavery. Considered abolitionists to be extreme and sought to find less extreme options.

Compromise of 1850

Political agreement to address slavery in the United States. It admitted California as a free state, established popular sovereignty for Utah and New Mexico, banned slave trade in Washington D.C., and enacted a stricter Fugitive Slave Act. Pushed for by Henry Clay and Stephen Douglas.

Wilmot Proviso

A proposal by Congressman David Wilmot of Pennsylvania in 1846 prohibiting slavery from any new territories.

Lecompton Constitution

After the Dred Scott Ruling, President Buchanan declares that slavery existed in all territories and declares Kansas a slave state without warning. Enrages Douglas so much that he crosses party lines and sides with Democrats to block the bill.

Election Results in this Unit

1844 - James K. Polk

1848 - Zachary Taylor

1852- Franklin Pierce

1856 - James Buchanan

Freeport Doctrine

Douglas’s Policy stating that slavery could exist in territories gained from Mexico if the local residents supported it, despite the federal ban on slavery in those territories. Comes out of Debate in Lincoln vs. Douglas.

Bleeding Kansas

“Bleeding Kansas" refers to a violent conflict in the mid-1850s over the issue of slavery in the Kansas Territory. Hundreds of voters would cross into Kansas to cast fraudulent votes supporting slavery. It was a precursor to the American Civil War and highlighted the deep divisions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.

Harpers Ferry

Location of John Brown's raid in 1859, Leading event to the American Civil War.

Crittenden Compromise

• Proposed in 1860 as a solution to prevent secession and civil war.

• Suggested extending the Missouri Compromise line to the Pacific, protecting slavery in southern territories.

• Rejected by Republicans, leading to further tensions and the outbreak of the American Civil War.