Key Concepts from Civil War and Pre-Civil War Era pt 2

This set of flashcards covers the major themes, events, and individuals relevant to the Civil War and the preceding period, assisting in review for the upcoming exam.

What was the primary goal of the Kansas-Nebraska Act introduced by Stephen Douglas?

To pave the way for the construction of transcontinental railroads through Illinois and introduce popular sovereignty.

What was Bleeding Kansas?

A series of violent confrontations between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces in Kansas as a result of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

What significant event did the Caning of Charles Sumner (1856) illustrate?

It illustrated the intense violence and division between pro-slavery and anti-slavery sentiments in Congress.

What did the Know-Nothings Party represent?

It was a nativist party founded in 1849 that was anti-Catholic, anti-immigration, and xenophobic.

Who was William Lloyd Garrison and what did he do?

He was an abolitionist who founded the Anti-Slavery Society and published The Liberator, advocating for the end of slavery.

What was the significance of the Dred Scott Decision (1857)?

It ruled that slaves were not citizens and could not sue for their freedom, further entrenching the institution of slavery.

What was the central argument of President Lincoln for going to war?

To preserve the Union and keep the nation unified.

What was the Anaconda Plan?

A three-part Union strategy to defeat the Confederacy consisting of blockading Southern ports, taking control of the Mississippi River, and launching an attack on Richmond, VA.

What was the outcome and significance of the Battle of Gettysburg?

It was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, marking a turning point as the Union secured a decisive victory.

What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

It declared the freedom of all slaves in Confederate territory, changing the war’s purpose to include the fight for freedom.