US history

Slavery

The debate over slavery in new territories and states intensified leading up to the Civil War.

Missouri Compromise

An agreement made in 1820 that attempted to balance the interests of slave and free states.

Dred Scott Decision

The 1857 Supreme Court ruling that stated African Americans were not citizens and Congress could not ban slavery in the territories.

John Brown’s Raid

An 1859 attempt to start a slave rebellion at Harpers Ferry, escalating tensions between North and South.

Election of 1860

Abraham Lincoln's election as President without Southern support led to the secession of Southern states.

Lincoln's primary goal during the Civil War

To preserve the Union, which later evolved to include ending slavery.

Union Advantages

Larger population, better industrial capacity, established government.

Union Disadvantages

Fought on unfamiliar southern territory; had to conquer and hold the South.

Confederacy Advantages

Defensive war on home turf; strong military leadership including Robert E. Lee.

Confederacy Disadvantages

Smaller population, limited economic resources, lack of international recognition.

Gettysburg

A major turning point battle in 1863, known for high casualties and repelling Lee's invasion.

Antietam

The bloodiest single-day battle in U.S. history, allowing Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

Fort Sumter

The first battle of the Civil War located in Charleston, South Carolina.

Gettysburg Address

Lincoln's 1863 speech emphasizing human equality and the importance of preserving the Union.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery in the United States in 1865.

14th Amendment

Granted citizenship and equal protection under U.S. law in 1868.

15th Amendment

Prohibited voting restrictions based on race or previous condition of servitude in 1870.

Black Codes

Laws restricting the rights of African Americans after the Civil War.

Freedmen's Bureau

Federal agency created in 1865 to assist former slaves in their transition to freedom.

Sharecropping

A system allowing tenants to farm land in exchange for a portion of the crops, often leading to debt.

Compromise of 1877

An agreement to end the 1876 presidential election dispute and effectively concluded Reconstruction.

Ulysses S. Grant

Union general known for leading the Northern forces to victory during the Civil War.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate general recognized for his tactical skills despite facing overwhelming Union resources.