Westward Expansion, Texas Revolution, and Civil War Politics

What was the Underground Railroad?

A series of safe houses and routes that helped slaves escape to freedom.

Who was Harriet Tubman?

A former slave who escaped and helped over 300 slaves escape via the Underground Railroad.

What was the reaction of Northerners to abolitionism?

Many Northerners were not excited about African Americans moving North due to job competition and racism.

What did Elijah Lovejoy advocate for?

He was a journalist who opposed slavery and was killed by a mob for his beliefs.

What was John Brown's belief regarding slavery?

He believed that only violence could bring a swift end to slavery.

How did John Calhoun justify slavery?

He used the Bible to argue that slavery was a 'positive good' and warned against freeing slaves.

What was 'Manifest Destiny'?

The belief that America had a God-given right to expand across the continent.

What was the significance of the Texas Revolution?

It was a conflict where Texas fought for independence from Mexico, leading to its eventual annexation by the U.S.

Who was Stephen F. Austin?

He was an American who led the colonization of Texas and helped establish it as a buffer zone.

What happened at the Alamo?

A pivotal battle where Texan forces were besieged by Santa Anna's troops, leading to a significant loss for the Texans.

What was the outcome of the Battle of San Jacinto?

The Texans won a surprise attack against Santa Anna's forces, leading to the capture of Santa Anna.

What did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo accomplish?

It ended the Mexican-American War and resulted in Mexico ceding 500,000 square miles of territory to the U.S.

What was the Wilmot Proviso?

A proposed ban on slavery in territories acquired from Mexico, which ultimately failed in the Senate.

What does 'Popular Sovereignty' mean?

The principle that residents of a territory should decide whether to allow slavery.

What were the main components of the Compromise of 1850?

California entered as a free state, Texas boundaries were settled, and the Fugitive Slave Act was enacted.

What was the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

It repealed the Missouri Compromise and allowed popular sovereignty in Kansas and Nebraska.

What led to the formation of the Republican Party?

The Republican Party was formed in response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, aiming to keep slavery out of western territories.

What was the Democratic Party's stance in the lead-up to the Civil War?

They defended slavery and white supremacy, accusing Republicans of favoring African Americans.

What was the significance of the Texas Declaration of Independence?

It established Texas as an independent republic after a series of battles against Mexico.

What was the Fugitive Slave Act?

A law that required northern states to return runaway slaves to the South, leading to the kidnapping of free African Americans.

What was the impact of the Mexican-American War on U.S. territory?

The U.S. acquired significant territories including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and others.

What was the role of Sam Houston in the Texas Revolution?

He led the Texan army to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto and became the first President of Texas.

What was the reaction of Southerners to westward expansion?

They were eager to acquire new lands for cotton production and to bring their slaves with them.

What was the significance of the Alamo in American history?

It became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice for Texan independence.

What did the Texas-New Mexico Act accomplish?

It settled Texas boundaries and allowed New Mexico to become a separate territory open to slavery.

What was the outcome of Santa Anna's dictatorship?

His oppressive rule led to the Texas Revolution and ultimately his defeat and capture.