Key Events and Policies in Pre-Civil War America

Tariff of 1842

32% protective tariff to stabilize economy and revenue.

Aroostook War

Border dispute between Maine and Britain over lumber.

Manifest Destiny

Belief in American expansion across North America.

Fifty-four, forty or fight

Slogan demanding US claim over Oregon territory.

Liberty Party

Political party advocating for abolition of slavery.

Walker Tariff

Lowered tariffs to boost trade and agriculture.

Spot Resolution

Lincoln's demand for clarity on war justification.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Ended war; US paid $15 million for territory.

Conscious Whigs

Whigs opposing slavery and the Mexican-American War.

Wilmot Proviso

Proposed amendment to ban slavery in Mexican territories.

Popular Sovereignty

Doctrine allowing territories to decide on slavery.

Free Soil Party

Opposed slavery expansion; advocated for homesteads.

California Gold Rush

Mass migration to California after gold discovery.

Underground Railroad

Network aiding runaway slaves to escape to freedom.

Seventh of March Speech

Webster's speech advocating for compromise on slavery.

Compromise of 1850

Legislation addressing disputes from Mexican-American War.

Fugitive Slave Law

Required return of escaped slaves, angering abolitionists.

Clayton-Bulwer Treaty

Agreement preventing exclusive control over canal routes.

Ostend Manifesto

Proposal to purchase Cuba, igniting slavery debates.

Gadsden Purchase

Land purchase for southern transcontinental railroad support.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

Created territories allowing slavery decision via popular sovereignty.

Bleeding Kansas

Violent conflicts over slavery in Kansas territory.

John Tyler

President who supported the Tariff of 1842.

Forty-niners

Gold rush migrants seeking fortune in California.

Harriet Tubman

Abolitionist conductor of the Underground Railroad.

Daniel Webster

Prominent politician advocating for compromise on slavery.