Civil War Study Guide APUSH (Terms)

Manifest Destiny

The belief that the United States was destined to expand across North America, fueled by American exceptionalism and a desire to spread democracy.

Texas War for Independence

A rebellion of Texan settlers against Mexican rule in 1836, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Texas.

1818 Anglo-American Agreement on Oregon

A treaty establishing joint occupation of the Oregon Territory between the U.S. and Britain.

Bear Flag Revolt

A short-lived rebellion in 1846 in California by American settlers against Mexican rule, leading to U.S. military involvement.

"54° 40' or Fight"

A slogan promoting U.S. claims to the Oregon Territory, reflecting nationalistic fervor over boundary disputes with Britain.

Dark Horse Candidate

A lesser-known political candidate who gains unexpected support, notably James K. Polk in the 1844 presidential election.

Slidell Mission

An unsuccessful diplomatic effort in 1846 to purchase California from Mexico, escalating tensions before the Mexican-American War.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, ceding a significant portion of Mexico's territory to the U.S.

Wilmot Proviso

A proposed amendment aimed at banning slavery in territories acquired from Mexico, heightening sectional tensions.

Gadsden Purchase

A U.S. acquisition of land from Mexico in 1853 intended for a southern transcontinental railroad.

Free-Soil Party

A political party established in the late 1840s opposing the extension of slavery into western territories.

Whig Party

A political party formed to oppose Andrew Jackson's policies, focused on economic modernization and opposition to slavery expansion.

Clayton-Bulwer Treaty

A 1850 agreement between the U.S. and Britain to ensure neither nation would dominate a canal across Central America.

"Gag Rule" of 1836

A rule that prevented congressional discussion on anti-slavery petitions, illustrating tensions over slavery.

Webster-Ashburton Treaty

A treaty resolving several border disputes between the U.S. and Britain in 1842.

Ostend Manifesto

A secret 1854 proposal advocating for the purchase of Cuba from Spain, provoking outrage among anti-slavery advocates.

Personal Liberty Laws

State laws passed in the North to protect runaway slaves and free blacks against the Fugitive Slave Act.

Slave Codes

Laws enacted in southern states regulating the behavior of enslaved people to maintain control.

Nat Turner Revolt

A violent 1831 slave uprising in Virginia that resulted in stricter slave codes and increased fear among slaveholders.

American Colonization Society

An organization founded in 1816 to advocate for the abolition of slavery and resettlement of freed African Americans.

Liberia

A West African colony established for freed African Americans by the American Colonization Society.

Underground Railroad

A network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved individuals escape to free states.

Doctrine of Popular Sovereignty

The principle that settlers in a territory should decide whether to permit slavery.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

A controversial 1854 law allowing popular sovereignty in Kansas and Nebraska, leading to 'Bleeding Kansas.'

Liberty Party

A political party advocating for the abolition of slavery through political action, emerging in 1860.

Freeport Doctrine

Stephen Douglas' argument that territories could exclude slavery by refusing to adopt supportive laws.

Crittenden Compromise

An unsuccessful 1860 proposal aiming to resolve the sectional crisis by extending the Missouri Compromise line.

Fort Sumter

A Union fort where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in April 1861.

Emancipation Proclamation

An executive order by Lincoln in 1863 declaring all enslaved people in Confederate states to be free.

Homestead Act

A 1862 law granting 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee.

Morrill Land Grant Act

Legislation providing federal land to states for funding agricultural and technical colleges.

First Battle of Bull Run

The first major battle of the Civil War in 1861, resulting in a Confederate victory.

Vicksburg

A significant Union victory in 1863 that gave the North control of the Mississippi River.

Gettysburg

A pivotal 1863 battle marking the turning point of the Civil War in favor of the Union.

Sherman’s March to the Sea

A campaign led by Union General Sherman in 1863 aimed at weakening the Confederacy through destruction.

600,000

The approximate number of deaths during the Civil War, highlighting the conflict's impact on the nation.