Topic 7 and 8 USHAG

Northern View on Slavery

Believed slavery was morally wrong and sought to contain its spread.

Southern View on Slavery

Viewed slavery as a necessary economic system and justified it culturally.

Compromise of 1850

A package of five separate bills passed in 1850, aimed at diffusing tensions between slave and free states.

Key Figures in Compromise of 1850

Henry Clay, Stephen A. Douglas, and Daniel Webster.

Northern Response to the Fugitive Slave Act

Many Northerners resisted its enforcement, leading to increased tensions and activism against slavery.

Effect of Uncle Tom's Cabin

Raised awareness of the harsh realities of slavery and fueled abolitionist sentiment.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

Proposed by Stephen A. Douglas, it allowed settlers of Kansas and Nebraska to decide on the issue of slavery.

Bleeding Kansas

A series of violent political confrontations in Kansas between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces following the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

Political Party System Change in 1850s

The emergence of the Republican Party, focused on opposing the expansion of slavery.

Dred Scott Case

The 1857 Supreme Court decision that ruled African Americans were not citizens and Congress could not regulate slavery in territories.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates

A series of debates in 1858 between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas over slavery, with Douglas winning.

Election of 1860 Winner

Abraham Lincoln won the presidency; other candidates included Stephen A. Douglas and John C. Breckinridge.

Secession Crisis of 1860

Resulted from Lincoln's election, as Southern states feared his anti-slavery policies.

Ft. Sumter Significance

The site of the first shots of the Civil War; marked the start of the conflict.

Confederate States vs. Union States

Confederacy included Southern states, while Union encompassed the Northern states.

Advantages of the Union

Larger population, more industrial resources, and better transportation networks.

Disadvantages of the Union

Fighting on unfamiliar territory and initial military leadership challenges.

Advantages of the Confederacy

Strong military tradition and motivation to defend their homeland.

Disadvantages of the Confederacy

Smaller population and fewer industrial resources.

Union Strategies

Anaconda Plan aimed to blockade and capture the South.

Confederate Strategies

Defensive tactics aimed at wearing down the North.

Major Battles of the Civil War

Including Gettysburg, Antietam, and Bull Run, which shaped the war's course.

Emancipation Proclamation

Declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were free; it was a turning point in the war.

Role of African Americans in Union War Effort

Served as soldiers, laborers, and spies, contributing significantly to the Union's success.

Lincoln's Political Actions During the War

Suspended habeas corpus, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and promoted war strategies.

Union Military Commander in Last Year

Ulysses S. Grant, who implemented total war strategies, such as in the Siege of Vicksburg.

End of the War

The war ended in April 1865 at Appomattox Court House, with generous terms for the South.

Lincoln After the War

Assassinated by John Wilkes Booth shortly after the end of the war; Andrew Johnson became president.

Major Problems After Civil War

Reconstruction of the South, integration of freed slaves, and economic rebuilding.

Three Reconstruction Amendments

13th (abolished slavery), 14th (citizenship rights), and 15th (voting rights for African American men).

Effects of Reconstruction on the South

Political changes with increased African American participation, but significant social and economic hardships persisted.

End of Reconstruction Factors

Economic depression, political compromises, and the withdrawal of federal troops in 1877.

Successes of Reconstruction

Abolition of slavery and establishment of civil rights.

Failures of Reconstruction

Did not achieve lasting racial equality, leading to Jim Crow laws.

Issues African American Leaders Focused on Post-Reconstruction

Civil rights, education access, economic opportunities, and combating racism.