Antebellum Terms and Events

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the Antebellum period, particularly focusing on the Irish Potato Famine and the presidency of James Buchanan.

Irish Potato Famine

A catastrophic event beginning in 1845, killing approximately one million people and leading to massive emigration from Ireland.

Emigration

The act of leaving one's country to settle in another, notably occurring during the Irish Potato Famine.

Social Structures

The organized patterns of relationships and institutions that shape society, which changed significantly due to the effects of the Irish Potato Famine.

James Buchanan

The 15th President of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861, known for his ineffective leadership on sectional tensions leading to the Civil War.

Dred Scott Decision

A landmark Supreme Court case during Buchanan's presidency that heightened tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.

Bleeding Kansas

A series of violent political confrontations in the 1850s between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers, occurring during Buchanan's presidency.

Sectional Conflict

Tensions and disagreements between the Northern and Southern states in the U.S., particularly related to slavery, which escalated prior to the Civil War.

Secession

The action of withdrawing formally from membership in a federation or body, particularly regarding Southern states leaving the Union before the Civil War.

Federal Government

The national government of the United States, which Buchanan believed lacked the authority to prevent state secession.