The Antebellum Era: Slavery, Politics, and Kansas (1850s)

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering key events, people, and concepts from the notes on the antebellum era, slavery politics, and the Kansas-Nebraska era.

What were three provisions of the Fugitive Slave Act as described in the notes?

Federal marshals could raise a posse on northern soil; anyone who refused to join a posse could be fined $1000; the law targeted any escaped slave, including those who had escaped in childhood or decades earlier.

How did northern states respond to the Fugitive Slave Act?

They passed Personal Liberty Laws that made it illegal to imprison alleged fugitive slaves and sometimes guaranteed jury trials.

Why would Southerners react negatively to Personal Liberty Laws?

Because these laws undermined the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act and protected alleged fugitives.

Solomon Northup is cited as an example of what in these notes?

The kidnapping and enslavement of free Black people.

Who wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin and when was it published?

Harriet Beecher Stowe, published in 1851.

What is the central focus of Uncle Tom’s Cabin?

An emotional depiction of the brutality of slavery, focusing on Tom and other enslaved people.

How did Uncle Tom’s Cabin influence public awareness beyond readers?

It was adapted into songs and plays, spreading its message widely.

What was the overall impact of Uncle Tom’s Cabin on abolitionist sentiment?

It stirred abolitionist feelings and demonized those who supported slavery.

What platform did the Democrats adopt in the 1852 election regarding slavery in new territories?

Support for the Compromise of 1850 and popular sovereignty to decide slavery in new territories.

How was the Whig Party divided in the 1852 election, and what happened to their platform?

Southern Whigs favored Millard Fillmore; Northern Whigs favored Winfield Scott; their platform was unclear due to sectional divisions.

Who won the 1852 presidential election and with how many electoral votes?

Franklin Pierce won with 254 electoral votes; Winfield Scott had 42.

What factors contributed to the decline of the Whig Party during Pierce’s presidency?

Whigs were crumbling; deaths of leaders Daniel Webster and Henry Clay; Democrats held majorities in Congress.

What expansionist moves did Pierce pursue during his presidency?

Expansion into Central America and Cuba; attempts to buy land from Mexico and gain control of Cuba.

What was the Gadsden Purchase and who authorized it?

In 1853, Pierce authorized James Gadsden to negotiate a purchase of territory from Mexico.

Why did Southerners support the Gadsden Purchase?

They wanted a railroad to the Pacific.

Why did Northerners oppose the Gadsden Purchase?

Fears about the spread of slavery accompanying the new territory.

What is the significance of the Gadsden Purchase?

Provided land for a southern railroad and reflected sectional tensions over slavery.

Why did Pierce push to annex Cuba and how did people react in the North and South?

To expand slaveholding and strategic influence; Southerners supported, while many in the North distrusted the motives related to slavery expansion.

What was the Ostend Manifesto and why was it controversial?

A plan proposing the U.S. seize Cuba by force if Spain wouldn’t sell; leaked, caused a political stir, and led to Soule’s resignation.

How did Northerners view Pierce’s Cuba efforts?

Many grew suspicious that he and southern interests sought to build a slave empire in the Americas.

What was the Kansas-Nebraska Act attempting to resolve, and what did it propose regarding slavery?

It sought to organize the Kansas and Nebraska territories; it repealed the Missouri Compromise and allowed slavery to be decided by popular sovereignty north of 36°30′.

Why did Stephen Douglas push for the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and what did it do to Nebraska and Kansas?

He sought northern and southern support and proposed dividing Nebraska into two territories (Kansas and Nebraska) with slavery decided by popular sovereignty.

What was the political consequence of the Kansas-Nebraska Act for the Democratic Party and sectional tensions?

It backfired, weakening the Democrats and inflaming sectional tensions around slavery.

Describe the tactics used by both sides to influence Kansas during the slavery debate.

Northerners sponsored about 1500 immigrants to move to Kansas to push for a free state; Missourians crossed the border to vote pro-slavery.

What two governments emerged in Kansas during the elections, and where were they located?

Lecompton, a pro-slavery government, and Topeka, an anti-slavery government.

What does Bleeding Kansas refer to, and who were the main factions involved?

A violent struggle between pro-slavery Border Ruffians and anti-slavery Jayhawkers in Kansas; included the Lawrence attack and the Pottawatomie Massacre led by John Brown.

How did the Northern and Southern press and public react to John Brown’s actions at Pottawatomie?

Northern press praised Brown as a hero; the South condemned him and saw it as a brutal violation; it intensified tensions.

What were the key elements of the Sumner-Brooks incident in 1856?

Sumner gave a fiery anti-Kansas speech; Brooks attacked Sumner with a cane, nearly killing him; Sumner survived and Brooks was re-elected by the South.

Who were the major candidates in the 1856 presidential election and what were the outcomes?

Know Nothings: Millard Fillmore; Republicans: John C. Fremont; Democrats: James Buchanan; Buchanan won with 45.3% of the vote; Fremont 33.1%.

Why did southerners fear a Fremont (Republican) victory in 1856?

Because Fremont’s anti-slavery stance threatened the expansion of slavery and could prompt secession.

What is the basic idea of States’ Rights as discussed in the notes?

The belief that states, not the federal government, should have the final say on local issues, with the 10th Amendment supporting this view.

What did Southern states want regarding States’ Rights and slavery?

They wanted the right to maintain slavery and to nullify federal laws they opposed.

What constitutional rules govern amendments, and why did this alarm the South in the context of slavery?

Proposed amendments require 2/3 of Congress to propose and 3/4 of states to ratify; this made abolishing slavery very difficult and kept slavery entrenched.

Why were Southerners paranoid about a Republican victory in 1860?

They believed it threatened their slavery-based way of life and political power.