civil war

Slavery

The primary cause of the disagreement leading to the Civil War.

States' rights

The belief held by the South advocating for the autonomy of individual states.

Federal government

The system supported by the North that emphasized a strong central authority.

Missouri Compromise

An agreement aimed at resolving disputes about slavery in new territories.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

Legislation that led to violent conflicts over slavery, known as 'Bleeding Kansas'.

Lincoln's Election

The event in 1860 that prompted Southern states to secede from the Union.

Fort Sumter

The location where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

Uncle Tom's Cabin

A novel that intensified Northern opposition to slavery.

Dred Scott Decision

A Supreme Court ruling that declared enslaved people had no rights.

John Brown's Raid

An attempted slave uprising that raised Southern fears of revolt.

Antietam

The bloodiest single day of the Civil War which led to the Emancipation Proclamation.

Gettysburg

The turning point battle of the Civil War.

Vicksburg

The battle that granted Union control of the Mississippi River.

Sherman's March to the Sea

A campaign that showcased 'total war' and devastated the South.

Appomattox Court House

The site where General Lee surrendered, effectively ending the Civil War.

Emancipation Proclamation

The order issued by Lincoln that freed enslaved people in Confederate territories.

13th Amendment

The amendment to the Constitution that abolished slavery.

Gettysburg Address

Lincoln's speech emphasizing national unity and equality after the war.

Andrew Johnson

Lincoln's Vice President who took over after Lincoln’s assassination.

Union

The term referring to the Northern states during the Civil War.

Confederacy

The term referring to the Southern states that seceded from the Union.

Advantages of the Union

Included a larger population, industry, railroads, and a navy.

Advantages of the Confederacy

Included strong military leadership and a home-field advantage.