apush an enduring vision quiz

Fort Sumter

A federal fort located in South Carolina that was attacked by Confederate forces in 1861, marking the beginning of the American Civil War.

John Brown

An abolitionist who led a raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in 1859, aiming to start a slave rebellion. His actions heightened tensions between the North and South and became a symbol for the abolitionist cause.

Free soil

The belief that new territories should be free from slavery. It was significant because it contributed to the growing sectional divide between the North and South over the issue of slavery expansion.

Popular sovereignty

The idea that the residents of a territory should decide whether to allow slavery through a vote. It was significant because it was used as a compromise solution to the issue of slavery in the territories, but ultimately led to further conflict.

"Higher law"

The belief that moral principles and natural rights should take precedence over written laws. It was significant because it was used by opponents of slavery to argue against the institution and its legality.

Stephen A douglas

A prominent Democratic politician who championed the idea of popular sovereignty and played a key role in the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. He was significant because his actions and policies contributed to the intensification of the slavery debate.

Compromise of 1850

A series of laws passed by Congress to address the issue of slavery in the newly acquired territories. It was significant because it temporarily eased tensions between the North and South, but also intensified the debate over the expansion of slavery.

Fugitive Slave Act

A law passed as part of the Compromise of 1850 that required the return of escaped slaves to their owners. It was significant because it angered abolitionists and increased opposition to slavery in the North.

Personal-liberty laws

State laws passed in the North to counteract the Fugitive Slave Act and protect the rights of escaped slaves. They were significant because they demonstrated growing resistance to the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act.

Uncle Tom's Cabin

A novel written by Harriet Beecher Stowe that depicted the harsh realities of slavery. It was significant because it increased Northern sympathy for the abolitionist cause and further polarized public opinion on slavery.

Franklin Pierce

The 14th President of the United States who served from 1853 to 1857. He was significant because his presidency was marked by the intensification of the slavery debate and the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

A law passed in 1854 that allowed the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide whether to allow slavery through popular sovereignty. It was significant because it repealed the Missouri Compromise and led to violent conflicts in Kansas.

Slave Power

The perceived political and economic influence of slaveholders in the United States. It was significant because it fueled Northern fears of a conspiracy to extend slavery and contributed to the growing sectional divide.

Know-Nothings

A nativist political party that emerged in the 1850s, advocating for restrictions on immigration and opposing the influence of Catholics and immigrants in American society. They were significant because they reflected growing anti-immigrant sentiment during this period.

Republican Party

A political party founded in 1854 that opposed the expansion of slavery. It was significant because it became a major force in American politics and eventually led to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President.

Charles Sumner

A U.S. Senator from Massachusetts who was a prominent abolitionist and advocate for civil rights. He was significant because he was brutally attacked on the Senate floor by a pro-slavery congressman, highlighting the deep divisions over slavery.

Dred Scott v sandford

A Supreme Court case in 1857 that ruled that enslaved African Americans were not citizens and could not sue for their freedom. It was significant because it further entrenched the institution of slavery and invalidated the concept of popular sovereignty.

Lecompton constitution

A proposed pro-slavery constitution for Kansas that was rejected by Congress. It was significant because it exposed the fraudulent nature of popular sovereignty and intensified the conflict over slavery in Kansas.

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th President of the United States who served from 1861 to 1865. He was significant because his election and policies, particularly his opposition to the expansion of slavery, played a major role in the outbreak of the Civil War.

Confederate States of America

A group of Southern states that seceded from the Union in 1860-1861 and formed their own government. They were significant because their secession led to the Civil War and represented a challenge to the authority of the federal government.