wip - APUSH UNIT 5 - American Nationalism and Identity

What were the main reasons for western migration?

Manifest destiny, natural/mineral resources, new government policies, religious refuge, trade with Asia

What is Manifest Destiny?

Nationalistic idea that God blessed U.S. and gave mission to spread over entire continent

What was the Preemption Act of 1841?

Gave squatters right to buy territory before other sellers, led to large wave of migrants

What was the Homestead Act of 1862?

Offered 160 acres on condition that settler improved land, gave land for free

What were Polk’s main three goals?

Annex Texas for cotton soil, purchase California for Gold, and settle Oregon from Britain

Why was there conflict regarding Texas?

Mexico invited American migrants, Americans launched a revolution & created independent republic

What was the conflict regarding declaring war with Mexico?

Polk claimed American blood had been spilled on U.S. soil, but claims were iffy and many disagreed, including Lincoln — Congress declared war regardless

What were the main effects of the Mexican-American War?

U.S. Gained ½ Mexico’s territory, including California, provoked slavery dispute, and increased conflict with Mexicans and Native Americans

What was the Wilmot Proviso of 1846?

Mandated slavery be banned in ALL land gained from Mexico, was shot down quickly

What was the slavery debate?

Southern Democrats wanted to expand slavery as far as possible, but many were against it such as Lincoln and preferred ideas of popular sovereignty

What was California Statehood (1849) and why did it matter?

Applied to enter as a free state as well as Oregon, increasing tension b/c of pro-slavery ideals

What were four possible solutions to the slavery debate?

Expansion with no restrictions, expansion under Missouri Compromise provisions, expansion w/ popular sovereignty sentiments, and expansion restricting slavery to remain in current boundaries

How did the southern states prefer to resolve the slavery debates?

Championed by Calhoun, preferred to expand with no restrictions on slavery, claiming restrictions would be unconstitutional

How did northern states prefer to resolve the slavery debates?

Supported by Buchanon, preferred to expand with same provisions as in the Missouri Compromise (abolishing slavery)

What was the Compromise of 1850?

Created by Clay: admit California as a free state, divide remaining land into two (dictated by popular sovereignty), Washington D.C. would abolish slave trade, and stricter Fugitive Slave Laws

What were the effects of the Compromise of 1850?

Ultimately led to greater tensions and debate

What was the resistance regarding the fugitive slave law and how was it resolved?

Northern states tried to abolish and nullify the fugitive slave law; however, eventually, federal government policy won over the states, and it remained in power over the whole country.