Key terminology

Antebellum

The period in the southern United States before the Civil War.

Plantation

A large farm in the southern U.S. where crops like cotton, tobacco, and sugar were grown, often using enslaved labor.

Abolitionist

A person who wanted to end slavery in the United States and fought for the freedom of enslaved people.

The Frontier

The edge of settled land in America during the 1800s, marking the beginning of wilderness and new settlements.

Tariffs

Taxes on imported goods used to protect American businesses by making foreign products more expensive.

Federal Government

The national government of the United States, including the President, Congress, and the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States that has the final authority on legal disputes and constitutional matters.

Compromise

An agreement where both sides in a disagreement make concessions to reach a solution, often used to avoid conflict over slavery.

Fugitive Slave

An enslaved person who escaped from their owner in search of freedom, often fleeing to northern states or Canada.

Constitution

The foundational document outlining the rules and principles of the U.S. government, establishing citizens' rights and government powers.

Confederate States

The southern states that seceded from the United States to form their own country during the Civil War, known as the Confederacy.

Secession

The act of leaving or breaking away from a group, specifically referring to southern states leaving the Union.

Inaugural Address

A speech given by a President upon taking office, outlining their goals and plans for their term.

Emancipation

The act of freeing someone from slavery or oppression, notably represented by the Emancipation Proclamation.

Amendment

A change or addition to a document, particularly referring to changes made to the U.S. Constitution.