pre civil war

Mexican-American War

Conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, resulting in significant territorial gains for the U.S.

Nicholas Trist

Negotiator who finalized the treaty ending the Mexican-American War without full authorization from President Polk.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, resulting in Mexico ceding a vast territory to the United States.

Wilmot Proviso

Proposed amendment to ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico, suggested by David Wilmot in 1846.

Popular Sovereignty

Political doctrine allowing the residents of a territory to determine its stance on slavery.

Free Soil Party

Political party formed in 1848 supporting the prohibition of slavery in the territories.

Compromise of 1850

Series of legislative measures aimed at resolving disputes over slavery, including California's admission as a free state.

Fugitive Slave Act

Law requiring that escaped slaves be returned to their owners, part of the Compromise of 1850.

Dred Scott v. Sandford

1857 Supreme Court case stating that African Americans could not be citizens and therefore could not sue for freedom.

Bleeding Kansas

Violence between pro-slavery and anti-slavery activists in Kansas, creating conflict as a result of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

LeCompton Constitution

Pro-slavery constitution for Kansas proposed in 1857 that was rejected, leading to controversy and conflict.

Stephen Douglas

Senator who advocated for popular sovereignty and created the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

John C. Frémont

Republican candidate in the 1856 presidential election, representing anti-slavery sentiment.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

1854 legislation allowing territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide on the legality of slavery.

Zachary Taylor

Whig president who was elected in 1848 and supported the Compromise of 1850; died in office in 1850.

Franklin Pierce

Democratic president elected in 1852, his support for the Kansas-Nebraska Act hurt his popularity.

Election of 1848

Presidential election characterized by debates over slavery and the emergence of the Free Soil Party.

Millard Fillmore

Succeeding president after Taylor's death, involved in the Compromise of 1850.

Southern Whigs

Members of the Whig party from the South, often more pro-slavery in their political stance.

Northern Democrats

Democrats from the North, generally opposed to the expansion of slavery into new territories.

Anti-Slavery Democrats

Northern Democrats who opposed the expansion of slavery and often aligned with Free Soil interests.

Tensions of slavery

Increasing conflicts and division in U.S. politics over the issue of slavery from the 1840s onward.

Free States

Territories or states where slavery was prohibited.

Slave States

Territories or states that permitted slavery.

Political Sectionalism

Division of political parties and ideologies based on geographic regions, especially regarding slavery.

Abolitionist movement

Movement aimed at ending slavery and advocating for the rights of African Americans.

Republican Party

Political party formed in 1854 from anti-slavery factions, including former Whigs and Free Soilers.

Nativism

Political policy of favoring native-born inhabitants over immigrants.

James Buchanan

15th President of the United States; his presidency was marked by increased tensions over slavery.

Charles Sumner

Senator who was attacked on the Senate floor for his anti-slavery speech "Crime Against Kansas."

Abraham Lincoln

Emerging leader in the Republican Party who opposed slavery's expansion.

California Gold Rush

Mass migration to California following the discovery of gold in 1848, influencing the debate on statehood.

Conflict of Interests

Disputes arising from differing regional interests, especially regarding slavery.

Elections and Primaries

Political processes that began to reflect sectional divisions and issues such as slavery.

Constitutional Amendments

Changes or additions proposed to a constitution, often leading to significant national debates.

Civil War precursors

Events and legislation leading up to the Civil War, particularly those affecting slavery.

Kansas as a battleground

Refers to the territory's significance during the conflict over slavery leading to violence.

Sectional differences

Diverging interests and political positions between the North and South, particularly regarding slavery.

Violence of Bleeding Kansas

Fighting between pro- and anti-slavery factions in Kansas, highlighting the national conflict over slavery.

Migration patterns

Movement of people across the country, significantly influenced by issues such as slavery.

Rise of sectional parties

The emergence of political parties that reflected regional interests, particularly on slavery.

Electoral vote dynamics

Changes in voting patterns reflecting the sectional divide over slavery.

National debate on slavery

Ongoing discussions and conflicts over the morality, legality, and expansion of slavery in the U.S.