American History Exam 4 Vocabulary

Flashcards for American History Exam 4 Review

Fugitive Slave Act

In 1850, this act stated that escaped slaves in free states could be captured and returned to their masters.

Uncle Tom's Cabin

A novel written by Harriet Beecher Stowe in 1852, depicting the harsh realities of slavery and influencing Northern perceptions.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

Passed in 1854, this act allowed new states to decide on slavery through popular vote, leading to conflicts like 'Bleeding Kansas.'

Fort Sumter

The site of the first battle of the Civil War, where Confederate forces attacked Union troops, leading to Lincoln's call for troops.

Battle of Bull Run

The first major battle of the Civil War, fought on July 21, 1861, resulting in a Confederate victory.

Antietam

A battle in September 1862 in Maryland, marked by heavy casualties and considered a turning point in the Civil War.

Gettysburg

A crucial battle in July 1863 in Pennsylvania, where Lee's invasion of the North was repelled, marking a major Union victory.

March to the Sea

Sherman's destructive campaign through Georgia, aimed at crippling the Confederacy's infrastructure and morale.

Gettysburg Address

A famous speech delivered by Abraham Lincoln at the Gettysburg battlefield, reflecting on the cost of the war and the nation's ideals.

Reconstruction Act

Legislation that divided the Confederate states into five military districts and set conditions for their readmission to the Union.

Henry Clay

A Kentucky statesman who played a key role in the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850.

Daniel Webster

Secretary of State to President Fillmore known for his eloquent speeches.

John C Calhoun

Vice President and advocate for states' rights and slavery, known as 'The Great Intellectual.'

Abraham Lincoln

U.S. President during the Civil War, focused on preserving the Union and ultimately abolishing slavery.

Jefferson Davis

President of the Confederate States of America, committed to the Constitution.

Robert E Lee

Confederate general who turned to the Scriptures for guidance.

Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson

Confederate general known for his bravery and devout prayer life.

William T. Sherman

Union general known for his destructive 'March to the Sea' campaign.

George McClellan

Union general known for his overcautious planning.

Nathan Forrest

Confederate general and early leader of the Ku Klux Klan.

Ulysses S. Grant

Union general known for his excellent tactics.

Andrew Johnson

President after Lincoln who was impeached by the Radical Republicans.

Radical Republicans

Members of the Republican Party who wanted to treat the South as conquered enemies.

Carpetbaggers

Northerners who came to the South after the war to profit from Reconstruction.

Scalawags

Southerners who cooperated with the North for personal gain.

Ascendents

African Americans who supported the Union.

Cornelius Vanderbilt

Tycoon who built a transportation empire in railroads and shipping.

Andrew Carnegie

Steel magnate who believed in the 'Gospel of Wealth.'

John Rockefeller

Founder of Standard Oil, known for horizontal integration.

Teddy Roosevelt

President known for his progressive reforms and conservation efforts.

Booker T. Washington

Educator and advocate for African American advancement through vocational training.

Black Codes

Post-Civil War laws restricting African Americans.

Social Gospel

A movement emphasizing the application of Christian ethics to social problems.

Lincoln and Constitutional Law

Lincoln shut down newspapers and jailed dissenters, violating freedom of speech to preserve the Union

Views of North and South Towards Each Other

North gained the "treasury of virtue" by winning and ending slavery, even if accomplished wrongly. South became aggressively defensive and gained a "great alibi" as victims

Secession of First States

South Carolina seceded after its appeal for a return to the Missouri Compromise was rejected, citing the 10th Amendment. Six more states followed by February 1861.

Why was the Civil War fought?

The main debate was between Federalism and Nationalism/Statism, not slavery.

Views Regarding Treatment of Ex-Confederate States

Lincoln and Johnson wanted Confederates to rejoin the Union. Republicans wanted to make it harder, and radical republicans wanted to treat them like conquered enemies.