US History Exam Review

Flashcards reviewing key concepts regarding slavery and the Civil War era in US History.

What provisions of the US Constitution address slavery?

The US Constitution addressed slavery through provisions like the Three-Fifths Compromise and the Fugitive Slave Clause.

What were Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison's different views on the Constitution and slavery?

Frederick Douglass: Initially viewed the Constitution as pro-slavery but later argued it could be interpreted to support abolition. William Lloyd Garrison: Believed the Constitution was inherently pro-slavery and thus rejected it.

Why is the year 1619 essential in US History?

1619 marks the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the English colonies, a pivotal event in the history of slavery in the US.

Define gradual emancipation.

Gradual emancipation refers to the process of slowly phasing out slavery, often over a period of years, with various conditions and compensations.

What is the importance of legislation that addressed westward expansion and the 'slavery question'?

Legislation addressing westward expansion, such as the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850, were important because they attempted to balance the interests of free and slave states and determine the future of slavery in newly acquired territories.

What were some justifications for slavery, and why did nonslaveholding whites support the institution?

Justifications included economic necessity, racial inferiority, and religious arguments. Nonslaveholding whites supported it due to social status, racial solidarity, and the belief that slavery benefited the entire Southern economy.

Why was the invention of the cotton gin important?

The cotton gin made cotton production more efficient, leading to an increased demand for slave labor and solidifying the South's dependence on slavery.

Explain the regional interests of the North and South.

The North focused on industrialization, commerce, and free labor. The South depended on agriculture, especially cotton production, and slave labor.

Define the Domestic Slave Trade and its impact on various people.

The domestic slave trade was the trade of enslaved people within the borders of the United States. It led to the forced migration of enslaved people, family separations, and immense suffering.

How did African Americans resist slavery?

African Americans resisted slavery through various means, including work slowdowns, sabotage, running away, and revolts.

What reasons did Southern states like South Carolina, Mississippi & Texas give for seceding from the Union?

Southern states cited the protection of slavery, states' rights, and the perceived failure of the federal government to uphold their interests as reasons for seceding.

Define the abolitionist movement and the arguments they used to support their position.

The abolitionist movement was a social and political movement that sought to end slavery. Arguments included moral and religious objections, as well as the belief in the equality of all people.

What was the Emancipation Proclamation, and what were some major outcomes from it?

The Emancipation Proclamation was a presidential proclamation that declared slaves free in rebel territory. Major outcomes included weakening the Confederacy, providing a moral cause for the Union, and allowing African Americans to enlist in the Union Army.

What were slave narratives, and why were they important?

Slave narratives were autobiographical accounts of enslaved people's lives. They were important because they provided firsthand accounts of the horrors of slavery and helped to galvanize the abolitionist movement.

Know why cotton was 'King Cotton'?

Cotton was 'King Cotton' because it was the dominant agricultural crop in the South and a major driver of the US economy, especially trade with Europe.