Unit 04 - Slavery, Sectionalism, Civil War & Reconstruction

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the topics of Slavery, Sectionalism, Civil War, Reconstruction, and Manifest Destiny, reflecting the content of the provided lecture notes.

Manifest Destiny

The belief that God had given the whole continent to the Americans, necessitating settlement and the spread of Christianity. MOVE WEST

Oregon Trail

A historic east-west wagon route that connected the Missouri River to valleys in Oregon, primarily used in the mid-1800s by pioneers moving west.

Cholera

A severe infectious disease caused by unsanitary conditions, leading to intense stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting; a major cause of death on the Oregon Trail.

John Melish’s 1816 Map

A map that visually represented the United States territory from coast to coast, emphasizing the desirability of westward expansion.

Covered wagons

Wagons used by pioneers on the Oregon Trail, roughly 11 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 2 feet deep, which played a crucial role in transporting families and goods west.

Pioneer Life

Life experienced by settlers on the Oregon Trail, characterized by challenging travel conditions, community cooperation, and daily routines centered around survival.

Risks of the Transcontinental Trek

Dangers faced by pioneers including weather-related hazards, disease, food scarcity, and difficult terrain.

Indian Conflicts

Encounters between pioneers and Native Americans that were often exaggerated; the actual number of hostile incidents was significantly lower than reported.

Donner Party

A group of American pioneers who set out for California in 1846 but became trapped in the Sierra Nevada, ultimately leading to cannibalism for survival.

Westward Expansion

The movement of settlers into the western territories of the United States during the 19th century, driven by economic opportunity and the belief in Manifest Destiny.