APUSH Period 5 1844-1877

Manifest Destiny

The belief that it was God's intention for Americans to expand across North America and spread democracy and civilization.

The Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass

An autobiography by Frederick Douglass that described the physical and emotional realities of slavery and argued that slavery degraded both slaves and slave owners.

Polk Presidency (1845-1849)

James K. Polk's administration focused on lowering tariffs, restoring the independent treasury, settling the Oregon border issue, and annexing California.

Spot Resolutions

A series of requests by Abraham Lincoln asking for evidence to justify the declaration of war on Mexico.

Mexican-American War

A conflict between the U.S. and Mexico resulting in the U.S. acquiring territories from Texas to California.

Free Soil Party

A political party established in 1848 to oppose the expansion of slavery into western territories.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, granting the U.S. territory from Texas to California.

Seneca Falls Convention

The first major women's rights convention in 1848, focusing on women's suffrage and equality.

Know-Nothing Party

A nativist political party founded in 1849, opposing immigration and Catholicism.

Compromise of 1850

A series of legislative measures aimed at resolving tensions over slavery, including admitting California as a free state.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

A novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe that energized the abolitionist movement in the North.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

Legislation that allowed for popular sovereignty in Kansas and Nebraska, undermining the Missouri Compromise.

Bleeding Kansas

A series of violent confrontations between anti-slavery and pro-slavery factions in Kansas from 1854 to 1861.

Dred Scott vs. Sandford

A landmark Supreme Court case ruling that declared African Americans were not citizens and Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates

Series of debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas that addressed issues of slavery and state rights.

Harpers’ Ferry Raid

An 1859 attempt by John Brown to incite a slave revolt by seizing the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry.

Election of 1860

The presidential election that led to the secession of Southern states following Lincoln's victory.

Battle of Fort Sumter

The first battle of the Civil War, marked by the Confederate attack on Union-held Fort Sumter.

Strengths & Weaknesses of the Civil War sides

Union advantages included a larger population and better industrial resources, while the Confederacy had experienced military leaders.

First Battle of Bull Run

The first major battle of the Civil War that resulted in a surprising Confederate victory.

Gettysburg Address

Lincoln's speech emphasizing equality and the principles of democracy during the dedication of a cemetery for fallen soldiers.

Emancipation Proclamation

Lincoln's declaration that freed slaves in the rebellious states and changed the nature of the Civil War.

Sherman’s March to the Sea

A military campaign led by General Sherman aimed at destroying Confederate supplies and morale.

End of Civil War

Concluded with the surrender of General Lee to General Grant at Appomattox Courthouse in 1865.

Freedman’s Bureau

An agency established to aid former slaves during the transition to freedom, particularly in education.

KKK Established

The Ku Klux Klan formed to intimidate and terrorize African Americans and their allies after the Civil War.

14th Amendment

Constitutional amendment granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., including former slaves.

15th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that granted African American men the right to vote.

Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson was impeached for violating the Tenure of Office Act and clashing with Radical Republicans over Reconstruction.

Corruption in Grant’s cabinet

Numerous scandals during Ulysses S. Grant's presidency highlighted issues of graft and cronyism.

Boss Tweed’s corruption

The exposed corrupt practices of Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall in New York City, involving bribery and manipulation.

Compromise of 1877

Political agreement that resolved the 1876 election stalemate and led to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South.