Unit 4: Key Events in Pre-Civil War America

Mexican American War

Conflict from 1846 to 1848 where the US army invaded Mexico leading to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Annexation of Texas

In 1845, settlers moved to Texas and declared independence, leading to its annexation by the US.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The treaty that ended the Mexican American War, resulting in US claims to lands of the Mexican Cession.

California Gold Rush

A period from 1848 to 1855 when settlers rushed to California to mine gold after the Mexican American War.

Compromise of 1850

Legislation that allowed California to apply for statehood as a free state, deemed unfair by some.

Fugitive Slave Law

Law requiring the return of escaped slaves in any state, leading to an increase in the underground railroad.

Kansas Nebraska Act

1854 act that allowed popular sovereignty to decide on slavery, repealing the Missouri Compromise.

Bleeding Kansas

A series of violent events in 1854 where John Brown murdered pro-slavery settlers.

Mason Dixon Line

The border that separates slave states from free states.

Chinese Exclusion Act

Legislation that restricted Chinese immigration to the United States.

Know Nothing Party

A political party characterized by nativism and opposition to immigration.

Free Soil Party

A political party that opposed the expansion of slavery in the economic interest.

Dred Scott v. Sandford

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1857 that denied citizenship to Africans.

Election of 1860

The presidential election where Lincoln faced Douglas, resulting in a Democratic win without Southern support.