AP United States History: 1848-1877

Manifest Destiny

The belief that Americans have a God-given right to expand their nation from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans.

Westward Expansion

The movement of Americans towards the western frontier in search of economic opportunities, religious freedom, and territorial expansion.

California Gold Rush

The rapid influx of migrants to California in 1848 after the discovery of gold, leading to significant economic growth and population increase.

Preemption Acts

Legislation in the 1830s and 1840s that made large tracts of land available for purchase at low prices to encourage settlement and homesteading.

Texas Independence

The period in 1836 when Texas declared independence from Mexico, leading to tensions and conflicts that eventually resulted in Texas becoming a part of the United States.

Southern Secession

The Southern states seceded primarily to protect slavery, as stated in their articles of secession.

Emancipation Proclamation

A military strategy issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 to free enslaved people in Confederate states.

Union Advantages

The Union had advantages in population, navy, economy, and a well-established central government during the Civil War.