History

Popular sovereignty

The idea that people in a territory could vote to decide on allowing slavery, linked to democracy and Lewis Cass

Bleeding Kansas

Conflict over slavery in Kansas, marked by violence and 200 deaths, seen as a prelude to the Civil War

Sectional differences

Economic and social contrasts between the North (industry, urbanization, high tariffs) and the South (agrarian, slave labor, few cities)

Freedmen’s Bureau

Aiding fugitive slaves in finding work on plantations after the Civil War

Dred Scott decision

1857 ruling stating African Americans, whether enslaved or free, were not U.S. citizens and the federal govt couldn't ban slavery in territories

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

1852 novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe depicting the cruelty of slavery, influencing opinions on the Civil War

Plessy v

1896 case establishing racial segregation as legal precedent in the U.S.

Lincoln’s evolving position on slavery

Initially against its spread, then aimed for abolition, influenced by events like Antietam

Effect of Civil War on northern economy

Boosted industry and economic growth due to increased demand for supplies and labor

14th and 15th Amendments

Granted African Americans citizenship, equal protection, and voting rights, respectively

Voting Restrictions

Poll Taxes, literacy tests, and "Jim Crow" laws aimed at limiting African American voting rights

Presidential vs

Contrasting approaches to rebuilding the South post-Civil War, differing in terms of leniency and requirements

Battles of Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Antietam

Key Civil War battles with significant impacts on the course of the war

Sherman’s March to the Sea

Destructive military campaign through the South during the Civil War, led by General Sherman

Pendleton Act and Civil Service reform

1883 act aimed at reducing political corruption by establishing a merit-based system for civil service jobs

Emancipation Proclamation

Issued by Lincoln, declared slaves free as Union army captured the South, allowed African Americans to join the Union army.

Homestead Act

Offered 160 acres of land for $10 to settlers who lived on it for 5 years.

Pacific Railway Act

Authorized the construction of the transcontinental railroad.

Battle of Gettysburg

Turning point in the Civil War, weakened Robert E. Lee's army significantly.

13th Amendment

Ratified in 1865, abolished slavery except as a punishment for a crime.

14th Amendment

Ratified in 1868, granted African Americans citizenship in the U.S.

Andrew Johnson Impeachment

Johnson was impeached for violating the Tenure of Office Act, first impeachment of a U.S. president.

15th Amendment

Ratified in 1870, granted all Black men the right to vote.

Compromise of 1877

Ended Reconstruction, Hayes became president, federal troops withdrew from the South.

Chinese Exclusion Act

Passed in 1882, barred Chinese immigration for 10 years and denied citizenship to existing Chinese immigrants.

Wounded Knee Massacre

Occurred in 1890 in South Dakota, where elderly, women, and children were killed by Americans.

Sherman Antitrust Act

Passed in 1890, aimed to curb monopolistic practices, though initially ineffective.

Plessy v

1896 Supreme Court case that established "separate but equal" doctrine.

Klondike Gold Rush

Smaller than the California Gold Rush, lasted 3 years with fewer people involved.

Populist Party

Formed in the 1890s, supported by farmers and the working class, advocated for a silver standard alongside gold.

Meat Inspection Act

Passed in 1906 after Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle," aimed to improve hygiene in meat processing.

Pure Food and Drug Act

Also passed in 1906 after "The Jungle," required accurate labeling of ingredients in food and medicines.

19th Amendment

Ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote on any level.