Unit IV Vocab-APUSH

Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny

Belief that white American settlers were destined to expand across North America. The idea of Manifest Destiny arose in response to the U.S. annexation of Texas and to a dispute with Britain over the Oregon Country, which became part of the union.

The Mexican-American War

An invasion of Mexico by the United States Army from 1846 to 1848 and followed the 1845 American annexation of Texas. It was ended by the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo which gave he United States Texas as well as New Mexico territory and California.

The Compromise of 1850

Decided that California is a free State, allowed the territories of Utah and New Mexico to vote on slavery themselves, introduced the fugitive slave law which allowed slave owners to go into the north to capture escaped slaves, and banned slave trade in Washington D.C.

Matthew Perry’s Expedition to Japan

Matthew Perry led his four ships into the harbor at Tokyo Bay, seeking to re-establish regular trade with Japan.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

Repealed the Missouri Compromise, created two new territories, and allowed for popular sovereignty which is the idea that government is authorized by citizens and influenced by what they want. It also led to years of violence among the people there known as “Bleeding Kansas”.

The Republican Party

Believed in free soil, opposed popular sovereignty, wanted to unite north and south, supported high tariffs, wanted to bring back the national bank, and supported the transcontinental railroad.

The Know-Nothing Party

Was anti-immigration, anti-catholic, and didn’t have a position on slavery. It replaced the Whig Party.

Dred Scott v. Sandford

A slave in MO that was taken to WI but returned to MO and argued that his time on free soil made him free but it was ruled that slaves aren’t citizens and he was returned to slavery by Chief Justice Roger Taney.

The Confederate States of America

Government formed by 11 southern states that seceded from the United States in 1861. Led by President Jefferson Davis, it sought to preserve slavery and states' rights. The Confederate States of America fought against the Union in the Civil War but was ultimately defeated in 1865.

The New York City draft riots (1863)

Violent disturbances in Lower Manhattan, widely regarded as the culmination of white working-class discontent with new laws passed by Congress that year to draft men to fight in the ongoing American Civil War.

The border states (What were they/significance)

Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri, and after 1863, the new state of West Virginia. They contained significant deposits of mineral resources and were major agricultural areas producing both livestock and grain. Additionally, these states contained transportation and communication lines that were vital to the war.

The Battle of Antietam

Deadliest single-day battle of the American Civil War. Fought on September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland. Union forces led by General McClellan clashed with Confederate troops under General Lee. Resulted in over 23,000 casualties. Considered a Union victory as Lee retreated, but no clear winner. Led to Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.

The Battle of Gettysburg

Major battle fought during the American Civil War that took place from July 1-3, 1863 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and was considered a turning point in the war. The Union Army, led by General Meade, defeated Confederate Army, led by General Lee. Over 50,000 casualties, making it one of the bloodiest battles. Led to Confederate retreat and boosted Union morale

The Battle of Vicksburg

Turning point of the American Civil War. Fought from May to July 1863. Union forces, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, besieged the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, Mississippi. After a 47-day siege, the Confederates surrendered, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River. This victory split the Confederacy in two and gave the Union a strategic advantage.

The Gettysburg Address

Given to commemorate a new National Cemetery at Gettysburg. It also gave Lincoln's purpose for pushing on to win the Civil War - the abolition of slavery and the reunification of the Union.

The Emancipation Proclamation

Presidential proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. It aimed to weaken the Confederacy and redefine the purpose of the Civil War. It did not immediately free all slaves, but it laid the foundation for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

Reconstruction

Period after the American Civil War (1865-1877) where the federal government aimed to rebuild and integrate the Southern states into the Union. It involved political, social, and economic changes, including the abolition of slavery, the passage of civil rights legislation, and the establishment of new governments in the South.

Radical Republicans

A group of American politicians after the Civil War who advocated for equal rights for African Americans and a harsh punishment for the South. They pushed for the passage of the Reconstruction Amendments and supported the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson.

The Black Codes

Laws enacted in the Southern states after the Civil War to restrict the rights and freedoms of newly freed African Americans.

The “Reconstruction Amendments”

Three amendments to the U.S. Constitution passed after the Civil War (1865-1870). The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th granted equal protection under the law to all citizens, and the 15th protected voting rights regardless of race.

Hiram Rhodes Revels

First African American to serve in the United States Senate.

The Ku Klux Klan

A white supremacist organization founded in 1865. Known for promoting racial hatred and violence against African Americans, immigrants, and other minority groups in the United States. Advocated for white supremacy, segregation, and the preservation of white Protestant culture.