1.1 Westward Expansion

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to US territorial expansion and sectional tensions from 1820 to 1850, focusing on slavery, Manifest Destiny, nativism, and key historical events.

What does the term 'sectional' refer to in the context of US history?

It refers to the divisions and differences between various geographical areas, particularly related to social, political, and economic issues like slavery.

What were the two sides in the argument regarding slavery during this period?

The two sides were the pro-slavery advocates primarily in the South and the anti-slavery advocates mainly in the North.

What were some fundamental reasons for the geographical split over slavery?

The key reasons included economic differences, cultural values, and differing opinions on the expansion of slavery into new territories.

What is 'Manifest Destiny'?

Manifest Destiny was the 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

What is 'nativism'?

Nativism is the political policy of promoting the interests of native inhabitants against those of immigrants.

What significant legislative action was taken by the Missouri Compromise?

It admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while banning slavery north of the 36°30' parallel.

What were the outcomes of the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

It allowed settlers of the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to determine through popular sovereignty whether they would allow slavery, leading to violent conflicts.

How did territorial expansion contribute to increased sectional tensions?

Territorial expansion led to the fear among Northerners of a growing 'slave power,' while many settlers in the Southern territories were pro-slavery.

What major US territorial gain was achieved through the Louisiana Purchase?

The Louisiana Purchase expanded US territory by 830,000 square miles at a cost of $15 million.

What does the term 'push and pull factors' refer to in the context of immigration?

Push factors are conditions that drive people to leave their home country, while pull factors are the attractions that draw them to a new one.