The Road to the American Civil War (1820–1861)

Flashcards covering key terms and events leading up to the American Civil War.

Slavery

The fundamental issue dividing the North and South leading to the Civil War.

Sectionalism

The growing divide and loyalty to one's region (North vs. South) rather than the entire country.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

Legislation that allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state and Maine as a free state; banned slavery north of 36°30' latitude.

Compromise of 1850

A package of five bills aimed at resolving disputes over slavery; included California's admission as a free state and the Fugitive Slave Act.

Fugitive Slave Act

Part of the Compromise of 1850; required Northerners to return escaped slaves to their Southern owners.

Popular Sovereignty

A policy allowing settlers in a territory to decide the issue of slavery by vote.

Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)

Legislation that allowed for popular sovereignty in the Kansas and Nebraska territories; repealed the Missouri Compromise.

Bleeding Kansas

A series of violent confrontations in Kansas between anti-slavery and pro-slavery factions.

Dred Scott Decision (1857)

Supreme Court ruling that enslaved people were property and Congress could not ban slavery in the territories.

John Brown’s Raid (1859)

An abolitionist's attempt to start a slave revolt by attacking a federal arsenal; ultimately failed.

Secession

The act of Southern states leaving the Union following Lincoln's election.

Confederacy

The group of 11 Southern states that seceded from the Union and formed their own government.

Abolitionists

Individuals who fought to end slavery, including notable figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman.

Fort Sumter

The Union fort in South Carolina where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.