AICE U.S. Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, events, and amendments from the pre-Civil War era through Reconstruction as noted in the study guide.

What were the sectional differences between the North and South in terms of politics and economy before the Civil War?

The North abolished slavery due to ethical concerns and was heavily industrialized, while the South retained slavery for its economy based on agriculture and free labor.

What led to the Mexican-American War and what were its consequences?

Texas gained independence from Mexico, applied to join the U.S., leading to war, resulting in the U.S. gaining Texas, California, and more, and marked the beginning of manifest destiny.

What was the Missouri Compromise?

It admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, establishing a line to restrict slavery in the territories gained from the Louisiana Purchase.

What did the Compromise of 1850 entail?

California was admitted as a free state, popular sovereignty was established, and the Fugitive Slave Act was enacted.

What was the Fugitive Slave Act?

It allowed slave owners to retrieve runaway slaves from outside their jurisdiction.

What did the Kansas-Nebraska Act allow?

It permitted the people of the territories to decide whether to allow slavery, leading to increased conflict.

What was Bleeding Kansas?

A series of violent confrontations in Kansas between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers after the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

What was the Dred Scott Decision?

The Supreme Court ruled that Dred Scott, a slave, could not sue for his freedom because he was considered property.

What were the Lincoln-Douglas Debates?

Debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas focusing on the issues of slavery and the division of the country.

What was John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry?

An attack led by John Brown to incite slave rebellion, resulting in his capture and execution.

What was the significance of Lincoln's election in 1860?

Lincoln's election led to the secession of Southern states as he opposed the extension of slavery.

What event marked the beginning of the Civil War?

The attack on Fort Sumter by Confederate forces, following the secession of Southern states.

What was the Anaconda Plan?

A strategy to defeat the South by blockading its ports and controlling the Mississippi River.

Who were the key commanders for the North during the Civil War?

Abraham Lincoln (President), Ulysses S. Grant (Union Army Commander), Tecumseh Sherman.

What significant battles were turning points in the Civil War?

Bull Run, Antietam, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, and the March to the Sea.

What was the outcome of the 1864 presidential election?

Lincoln won reelection, pledging to reinstate the Union and abolish slavery in Southern states.

What were the consequences of the Civil War?

Racism persisted, the South was devastated, and Lincoln was assassinated, leading to a turbulent Reconstruction.

What did the Radical Republicans advocate for during Reconstruction?

They wanted stricter terms for Southern states, including land redistribution to freed slaves.

What is the Freedmen's Bureau?

An agency established to assist formerly enslaved people in transitioning to freedom and society.

What do the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments address?

The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th granted citizenship, and the 15th gave voting rights to minorities.

What were Black Codes?

Laws enacted in Southern states to restrict the rights of newly freed African Americans after the Civil War.