Period 5 Timeline of Major Ideas & Events (1844-1877)

"Fifty-four Forty or Fight!" (Election of 1844)

The phrase "Fifty-four forty" refers to the line of latitude that marked the northern border between the Oregon Territory and Russian Alaska. It was the slogan for the Democratic candidate James K. Polk and appealed to American expansionists. Henry Clay, the Whig candidate, switched views many times during the debate over the annexation of Texas, causing many voters in New York to vote for the Liberty Party instead of the Whig Party. Those few voters caused Clay to lose New York and ultimately lose the election.

Annexing Texas (1844)

Jackson and Van Buren both put off annexing Texas because northerners saw it as a way for southerners to further spread slavery. Tyler himself was a southerner who tried to annex Texas, but the Senate rejected the treaty of annexation. Later, when Polk was elected President, Tyler forced the annexation of Texas through Congress and left Mexico's reaction up to Polk.

Mexican-American War (1845-1848)

Mexico refused to sell the California and New Mexico territories and also refused to acknowledge the Texas border also the Rio Grande. Polk sent a small army patrol to the Rio Grande, where they were attacked by a Mexican army. 11 were killed and Polk declared war with Mexico. General Stephen Kearney, with a force that never exceeded 1,500, took Santa Fe, New Mexico territory, and southern California. John C. Frémont took northern California and declared it the Bear Flag Republic. Zachary Taylor drove Mexico from Texas and won a major battle at Buena Vista. General Winfield Scott invaded central Mexico and captured Vera Cruz and Mexico City. Overall, Mexico was a military disaster.

Wilmot Proviso (1846)

David Wilmot proposed a bill that would prohibit slavery in any territory acquired by the US during the Mexican-American War. It passed the House twice but was defeated in the Senate.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)

1) Mexico would recognize the Rio Grande as the southern border of Texas

2) the United States would take California and New Mexico for $15 million

Free-Soil Party (1848)

Formed by northerners who opposed the expansion of slavery in the western territories. They weren't necessarily abolitionists though because they thought African Americans should be excluded from the new territory. They only opposed the expansion of slavery, not the idea of slavery. Advocated for free homesteads and internal improvements.

California Gold Rush (1849)

The discovery of gold in California led to rapid settlement, with the population growing from 14,000 to 380,000 in 12 years. It also led to rapid immigration, with almost 1/3 of minors being Chinese.

Know-Nothing Party (American Party) Created (1849)

Besides divisions between North and South, there was also an ethnic division between native-born Protestant Americans and German and Irish Catholic immigrants. Nativists broke off to form the American Party (or the Know-Nothing Party because when asked questions about politics, members commonly responded with "I know nothing"). They never gained much traction but helped steer crucial support away from the Whig Partyfrepu

Clayton-Bulwer Treaty (1850)

Both America and Britain wanted to build a canal through Central America. To prevent any hostility, they signed a treaty that prevented either country from taking control of any future canal. The treaty lasts until the end of the century.

Compromise of 1850

With California entering the Union as a free state, southerners were furious (some even considered secession). Henry Clay came up with a compromise:

1) Admit California as a free state

2) Split the rest of the Mexican Cession into two territories in which the citizens would decide whether of not to have slavery (popular sovereignty)

3) Ban the slave trade in the District of Columbia

4) Adopt a Fugitive Slave Law

Fugitive Slave Law (1850)

Runaway slaves in the north were caught and sent back to their owners in the south. The law was met with strong resistance from antislavery northerners.

Underground Railroad

A network of abolitionists that secretly helped slaves escape to freedom by setting up hiding places and routes to the North. Harriet Tubman is a key person to its success.

Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852)

Book written by Harriet Beecher Stowe that exposed the horrors of slavery. Northerners and even Europeans regarded all slave owners as cruel inhuman. Southerners saw it as an "untruth" that exposed the North's prejudice against the South.

Gadsden Purchase (1853)

Instead of acquiring Cuba, Pierce paid Mexico $10 million for the sections of land that would become southern New Mexico and Arizona. It was bought in order to continue a railroad across the territory without having to go through the Rocky Mountains.

Ostend Manifesto (1854)

Southerners really wanted Cuba (some even tried to take it by force, they were executed by the Spanish government). Pierce sent three diplomats to Ostend, Belgium, where they secretly negotiated to buy Cuba from Spain. When this meeting was leaked to the press, northerners were furious and Pierce was forced to drop the scheme.

Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) and "Bleeding Kansas" (1855-56)

Stephen Douglas wanted to build railroads across Illinois and the western territories (mainly for his economic welfare). To get southern approval, he proposed a bill that split the Nebraska Territory into Kansas Territory and Nebraska Territory, with popular sovereignty determining the status of slavery. Southerners saw it as a way to further expand slavery, while northerners saw it as a violation of the Missouri Compromise. It was signed into law, and conflicts between proslavery and antislavery forces exploded. Antislavery and proslavery migrants both flocked to the territory. Fighting soon broke out with bloody killings on both sides. The fighting even made its way to DC.

Republican Party created (1854)

Formed as a direct response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Main focus was to stop the spread of slavery in the territories - but not to end it. Gained a lot of support from citizens in Kansas and soon became the second largest party. However, because it was only focused on stopping the expansion of slavery, it further alienated the South.

Caning of Senator Sumner (1856)

Senator Charles Sumner verbally attacked the Democratic administration, which included personal attacks against Senator Andrew Butler. Congressman Preston Brooks (Sumner's nephew) beat Sumner over the head with a cane in the Senate chamber. Sumner never fully recovered from the attack. It obviously outraged the North, but people in the South applauded Brooks. Some even sent him new canes to replace the one he broke while beating Sumner.

Panic of 1857

The economy had been doing really well up until this point. Mostly effected the North with prices dropping sharply and unemployment increasing. Cotton prices stayed high so South wasn't all that effected. Some southerners took the panic as a sign that plantation economy was superior and that continued union with the northern economy was not needed.

Impending Crisis of the South (1857)

Attacked slavery from a different angle. Used statistics to show that slavery was actually weakening the southern economy. Widely read in the North but banned very quickly in the South.

Dred Scott v. Sanford Decision (1857)

Dred Scott was a slave who sued for his freedom. Supreme Court ruled that 1) he had no right to sue because he was technically property 2) Congress could not legally exclude slavery in any of the territories and therefore 3) Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. The ruling delighted southern Democrats and infuriated northern Republicans.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates (1858)

A series of seven debates for US Senate in Illinois between Lincoln and Senator Douglas. The main issue discussed in all seven debates was slavery as it related to popular sovereignty in the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Lecompton Constitution and the Dred Scott decision. Douglas won election, but Lincoln's fine showing made him a national figure and helped him win Republican nomination in 1860

John Brown's Raid at Harper's Ferry (1859)

An attempt by the white abolitionist John Brown to start an armed slave revolt in 1859 by seizing a United States arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Brown's raid, accompanied by 20 men in his party, was defeated by a detachment of U.S. Marines led by Col. Robert E. Lee and he was executed for treason. Many in the North hailed him as a martyr, while the south saw him as a terrorist.

Election of 1860

Democratic party split between north and south, and therefore two Democratic candidates were nominated: Stephen Douglas and John C. Breckinridge. With the Democrat vote split, Lincoln won the electoral college by sweeping all of the northern states (he only got about 39.8% of the popular vote).

Formation of the Confederate States of America (February 1861)

Immediately after Lincoln's victory, South Carolina votes unanimously to secede. Over the next six weeks, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas all seceded as well. These 7 states met in Montgomery, Alabama and created the Confederate States of America.

Crittenden Compromise (1861)

In a last attempt to preserve the Union, Senator John Crittenden of Kentucky proposed a constitutional amendment that would allow slavery in all territories south of 36°30'. However, Lincoln himself opposed this amendment because it went against the Republican ideal to stop the expansion of slavery.

Fort Sumter (April 12, 1861)

Lincoln had to choose whether to abandon Fort Sumter or to resupply it. In the end, he obviously chose to resupply it. South Carolinians fired on the Fort and supplies and thus began the Civil War. The battle ended in a southern victory but also sparked northern support for the war.

Lincoln's Use of Executive Power

Lincoln drew upon his powers as chief executive and commander in chief. He called for 75000 volunteers to put down the "insurrection" in the South, authorized spending for the war, and suspended the privilege of writ of habeas corpus. He didn't wait for Congressional approval, but rather acted completely on his own authority.

Union Wartime Advantages

The Union had a MUCH larger population than the south.

US Navy stayed loyal to the Union.

The North dominated the nation's economy.

Had a well-established central government and public support

Confederacy Wartime Advantages

They were only fighting a defensive war.

Experienced military leaders and high troop morale.

Confederate Problems

They had a very weak economy compared to the north. They hoped that England would support them in the war.

Had neither a strong central government nor strong public support.

Morrill Tariff Act (1861)

Raised tariff rates to increase revenue and protect American manufacturers; high protective tariffs to project industrialists

Homestead Act (1862)

Promoted the settlement of the Great Plains area by offering 160 acres of land free to any person or family who farmed the land for at least five years.

Morrill Land Grant Act (1862)

Transferred public acreage to the state governments which could sell land and use proceeds for the establishment of agricultural colleges (for example, Texas A&M). Called "Land-Grant" colleges, it help spread public education in America.

Pacific Railway Act (1862)

Authorized the construction of a railroad that would link the western territories with the eastern states.

First Battle of Bull Run (July 1861)

The first major battle of the Civil War. About 30,000 federal troops marched on Bull Run Creek in VA expecting a swift victory. Instead, Confederate forces, led by Stonewall Jackson, forced the Union army to retreat. It was important because it dispelled the Union belief that it would be a quick war. It was also kinda funny because there were literally people picnicking near the battle who were forced to retreat with the Union army.

Trent Affair (1861)

James Mason and John Slidell tried to sail to Britain in order to gain recognition for their government. However, a Union warship stopped them and took them as prisoners of war. Britain threatened to side with the South if they weren't released, so Lincoln released Mascon and Slidell. Except they still failed to get recognition for the Confederacy from either Britain or France.

Monitor vs. Merrimac (March 1862)

Part of the Anaconda plan was to create an effective blockade of Confederate Ports. The Confederate ironclad ship the Merrimac sunk several wooden Union ships and placed the blockade strategy in jeopardy. The Union sent their own ironclad, the Monitor, into a five hour duel with the Merrimac. The battle ended in a draw, but prevented the Confederacy from challenging the naval blockade. The battle also marked a turning point in naval warfare, with wooden ships quickly being replaced by ironclad ones.

Antietam (September 1862)

Lee finally decided to lead his army into enemy territory in the hopes that they could win a battle on enemy territory. However, a confederate officer accidentally dropped the battle plans, so the Union (led by McClellan) knew what was coming and could plan their counterattack. The Union met the Confederate army at Antietam Creek in Maryland, which led to the single bloodiest day of the war with over 22,000 casualties. Confederate Army was forced to retreat, but McClellan didn't pursue them. This upset Lincoln, who removed him as the Union commander.

Emancipation Proclamation (January 1863)

Lincoln held off from fully freeing slaves because doing so too early might convince the border states to secede. However, after the Battle of Antietam, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed the slaves in the States.

Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction (1863)

Lincoln's plan for political reconstruction. Involved reconstructing the South so that the Union was in charge rather than secessionists. 1) Full pardons granted to Confederates who pledged allegiance to the Union and the US Constitution and accepted the emancipation of slaves 2) States governments could be reestablished if at least 10% of state voters took the oath. Basically, each Southern state had to rewrite its constitution to eliminate slavery.

Massachusetts 54th Regiment

After the Emancipation Proclamation, hundreds of thousands of Southern slaves simply walked away and into the North, where a lot of them served in the Union army. The Massachusetts 54th Regiment was one of the first and most famous black regiments. The regiment lost half their soldiers during an assault on Fort Wagner. They were forced to retreat but their bravery won them widespread respect.

Battle of Vicksburg (May-July 1863)

The battle that gave the Union full control of the Mississippi River. General Grant bombarded the city for seven weeks before the Confederates surrendered. The Confederacy was now split in two.

Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863)

Lee led an army into the North (Maryland and Pennsylvania). His hopes were to win a battle in the North to either force the Union to call for peace or convince foreign intervention on behalf of the Confederacy. The Confederate army surprised the Union at Gettysburg, sparking the most crucial and bloodiest battle of the war with over 50,000 casualties. The battle ended in a Confederate retreat to Virginia. They never regained the offensive.

New York Draft Riots (July 1863)

The draft put in place by the Union favored the rich because it allowed people to either find their own substitute or pay a $300 exemption fee. Riots erupted in New York City in which blacks and wealthy whites were targeted. Over 100 people were killed before federal troops put a stop to it and suspended the draft.

Wade-Davis Bill (1864)

Many Republicans didn't like Lincoln's plan. This bill instead required 50% of voters to take the oath and permitted only non-Confederates the ability to vote for a new state constitution. Lincoln vetoed the bill.

Sherman's March to the Sea (1864-65)

General Sherman led a force of 100,000 men from Chattanooga, Tennessee straight through the middle of Georgia and even into South Carolina. First big example of total war because the troops destroyed everything they came across (cotton fields, barns, houses, railroads - anything the enemy might use to survive). The march was highly successful in its goal: to break the spirit of the Confederacy and destroy its will to fight on.

Freedmen's Bureau ( March 1865)

Agency that provided food, shelter, and medical aid for freed slaves and homeless whites. Very successful in establishing schools and colleges for freed African Americans. By 1870, about 200,000 African Americans learned how to read.

Surrender at Appomattox (April 9, 1865)

Confederate government actually tried to negotiate peace, but Lincoln would accept nothing less than the restoration of the Union while Davis would accept nothing less than independence. While Lee retreated, the Union army finally pursued them, cutting off the Confederate army at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, forcing them to surrender.

Assassination of Lincoln (April 14, 1865)

On April 14 of 1865, John Wilkes Booth, an actor and Confederate sympathizer, shot and killed Lincoln in Ford's Theater. The same night, a co-conspirator attacked Secretary of State William Seward, but only wounded him. Now the nation had to deal with the problem of Reconstruction without the leadership of Lincoln.

13th Amendment (1865)

Abolishes and prohibits slavery

Johnson's Reconstruction Policy (1865)

Johnson's Reconstruction plan was similar to Lincoln's 10% plan. Called for the disenfranchisement of former Confederate leaders and Confederates with over $20,000 in taxable property. However, Johnson retained the power to pardon individuals, which a lot of wealthy planters took advantage of. So by the fall of 1865, many former Confederate leaders were back in office.

Southern Governments of 1865

8 months after Johnson took office, all 11 Confederate states rejoined the Union with new constitutions that ratified the 13th Amendment. However, none of them extended voting rights to African Americans. Former leaders even won seats in Congress, including the former Confederate vice president Alexander Stephens, who was elected as a senator from Georgia.

Black Codes

Further restricted rights of former slaves in the South. 1) prohibited blacks from renting land or borrowing money to buy land 2) forced freedmen to sign work contracts, placing them basically into a form of semi-slavery 3) prohibited blacks from testifying against whites in court.

Civil Rights Act of 1866

Originally vetoed by Johnson, but overridden in Congress. Pronounced all African Americans to be US citizens.

14th Amendment (1866; ratified 1868)

Republicans feared that Democrats would get rid of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, so they looked for a more permanent solution by ratifying the 14th amendment. 1) all persons born or naturalized in the US are citizens 2) provided citizens with "equal protection of the laws" and "due process of law"

Reconstruction Acts of 1867

Passed by Congress over Johnson's vetoes, these acts placed the South under military occupation. They divided the former Confederate states into five military districts, each under the control of the Union army. Also required ex-Confederate states to ratify the 14th Amendment and guarantee the right to vote for all adult males in order to be readmitted to the Union.

Tenure of Office Act (1867)

Prohibited the president from removing a federal official or military commander without the approval of the Senate. Johnson highkey ignored the act, removing Secretary of War Edwin Stanton on his own authority. The House responded by impeaching Johnson.

15th Amendment (1869; ratified 1870)

Citizens cannot be denied the right to vote because of race, color , or precious condition of servitude

Building Black Communities

Freedmen saw tons of opportunities ahead of them after emancipation. Hundreds of African American churches were formed, and hundreds of thousands of African Americans joined Negro Baptist and African Methodist Episcopal churches. African Americans also worked to establish many independent schools for their children.

Sharecropping

After emancipation, Southerners lost their main labor force. Under sharecropping, the landlord provided the farm supplies in return for part of the harvest. It gave poor people the ability to work their own land, but decreased their ability to move upwards in society because they were constantly bound to their landlord. Basically, sharecropping evolved into a new form of servitude.

Election of 1876 and Compromise of 1877

Tilden won the popular and electoral vote, but still didn't have enough to become president because the results in South Carolina, Louisiana, and Florida were contested. A special electoral commission voted to give all the votes to Hayes, thus making him the winner of the election. Democrats were furious, so a compromise was made: Hayes could become president if 1) he withdrew all federal troops from the south and 2) built a Southern transcontinental railroad.