Chapter 12 Key Terms

Abolitionism

The movement to end slavery in the United States, which gained significant momentum in the 19th century, especially in the North.

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th president of the United States (1861-1865) who led the nation during the Civil War, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and preserved the Union.

Alamo

A famous battle site in Texas where a small group of Texan rebels fought to the death against Mexican forces in 1836, becoming a symbol of resistance during the Texas Revolution.

American Colonization Society

An organization founded in the early 19th century that advocated for the resettlement of free African Americans in Africa, particularly Liberia.

American System

A set of policies promoted by Henry Clay that aimed to strengthen and unify the nation through tariffs, a national bank, and internal improvements.

California Gold Rush

A period of rapid migration to California beginning in 1848, triggered by the discovery of gold, leading to a population boom.

Cyrus McCormick

An inventor who developed the mechanical reaper, revolutionizing farming by enabling more efficient harvesting of grain.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

A leading figure in the women’s rights movement, co-organizer of the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848.

Frederick Douglass

An escaped slave who became a leading abolitionist, writer, and speaker, known for his powerful speeches and writings.

Free-Labor Ideal

The belief that labor should be free, meaning individuals can work for wages rather than being coerced into servitude.

Harriet Tubman

An escaped slave who became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping others escape to freedom.

Henry David Thoreau

A writer and philosopher known for his book Walden and his essay Civil Disobedience.

Immigration Wave 1820-1860

A significant increase in immigration to the United States during this period, particularly from Ireland and Germany.

Industrialization

The transformation of the economy from agrarian-based to industrial-based, particularly marked by the rise of factories.

Mechanical Reaper

An invention by Cyrus McCormick that improved the efficiency of harvesting crops, particularly wheat.

Mexican-American War

A war between the United States and Mexico (1846-1848), resulting in the U.S. gaining large territories in the Southwest.

Mormons

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who faced persecution and migrated westward.

Oneida Community

A utopian religious community founded in New York in the 1840s, known for its practice of communal living.

Oregon Trail

A major route for settlers traveling westward to Oregon and California during the 1840s and 1850s.

Plains Indians

Native American tribes who lived on the Great Plains and were affected by westward expansion.

Polygamy

The practice of having more than one spouse at the same time, practiced by some Mormons.

Railroads

The rapid expansion of the railroad network in the mid-19th century, connecting the East to the West.

Sectionalism

The division of the United States into different regions, particularly between the North and South.

Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments

A document signed in 1848 calling for women’s equality, including the right to vote.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, ceding vast territories to the U.S.

Texas Revolution

The rebellion of Texan settlers against Mexican rule in 1835-1836, leading to Texas gaining independence.

Transcendentalism

A philosophical movement advocating for individual intuition and spiritual connection, prominent in the 1830s and 1840s.

Underground Railroad

A network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved people to escape to freedom.

Utopian Communities

Idealistic, self-sustaining communities established in the 19th century aimed at creating a perfect society.

Women’s Rights

The movement advocating for equal rights for women, including voting rights and educational opportunities.