APUSH: UNIT 5 FLASHCARDS

Manifest Destiny

The belief that it was Americans’ fate and right to move westwards, expanding all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

President John Tyler

Took over after President Harrison's death, disagreed with the Whig platform, and refused to charter another national bank.

Oregon Territory

A massive wilderness west of the Rocky Mountains with disputed claims between England and the US.

Mexican-American War

A conflict triggered by tensions with Mexico over Texas and California, leading to the acquisition of new territories.

Compromise of 1850

An attempt to pacify both the north and south, including concessions like California as a free state and popular sovereignty in new territories.

Underground Railroad

A network aiding runaway slaves to escape to the north, led by conductors like Harriet Tubman.

Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854

Proposed by Senator Stephen A. Douglas, allowed popular sovereignty to decide the slavery status in the territories, leading to Bleeding Kansas.

Election of 1860 & Secession

Abraham Lincoln's victory led to the secession of southern states and the formation of the Confederate States of America.

Battle of Gettysburg

A significant clash in the Civil War where General Meade defeated General Lee, leading to President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

Wilderness Campaign

General Grant's movement towards Richmond, marked by heavy losses, during the Civil War.

Appomattox Courthouse Surrender

Lee's troops were cornered at Appomattox Courthouse in April 1865, where General Lee surrendered, marking the end of the Civil War.

Lincoln's Assassination

President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth on April 14th, 1865, at Ford's Theater in Washington D.C., leading to his death the following morning and causing mourning in the North.

Morrill Tariff Act

Legislation that increased taxes during the Civil War to fund the Union war effort and support economic growth in the North.

Emancipation Proclamation

Issued in 1863, it freed slaves in rebellious states, inspired slave refugees to flee north, and committed the Union to fighting on moral grounds.

Copperheads

Opponents of the Civil War who obstructed President Lincoln's efforts and emancipation, posing a challenge to the Union's war strategy.

Election of 1864

President Lincoln's reelection against General McClellan, where Republicans formed the Union Party with War Democrats to secure victory and signal the end of the Confederacy.

Civil War Impact

The conflict resulted in the loss of 600,000 men, 1 million wounded, and $15 billion in expenses, but ultimately preserved democracy in the United States.