APUSH PERIOD 5

Key Themes: Expansion, Sectionalism, Civil War, Reconstruction

• The ShakersA religious utopian group founded in the 18th century, the Shakers practiced celibacy, communal living, and gender equality. They believed in simplicity and had a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, creating furniture and other goods that are still valued today. They had a significant impact on American culture, particularly in areas of art and architecture.

• Oneida CommunityEstablished in New York in 1848 by John Humphrey Noyes, the Oneida Community was a utopian society that practiced communal property and "complex marriage," allowing for open relationships among its members. The community also implemented a form of mutual criticism, where individuals would critique each other's behavior to promote moral living. The community was economically successful through industries such as silverware manufacturing, but its unconventional practices ultimately led to its decline.

• Mormons Trek West/Salt LakeFollowing intense persecution in the East, the Mormons, led by Brigham Young, migrated westward in the 1840s and 1850s to find religious freedom. They settled in the Salt Lake Valley in Utah, where they established a thriving community. This journey, known as the Mormon Pioneer Trek, was marked by hardship and determination, and the Mormons contributed significantly to the development of the American West.

• Nat Turner’s Rebellion (1831)A significant slave uprising led by Nat Turner in Virginia, this rebellion resulted in the deaths of approximately 60 white individuals and over 100 enslaved African Americans who were executed in the aftermath. The violent nature of the event instigated widespread fear among slave owners and led to stricter slave laws and regulations to prevent future insurrections.

• Women’s Rights (1840s-1870s)The women's rights movement gained traction during this period, emphasized by the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, where the “Declaration of Sentiments” was introduced by Elizabeth Cady Stanton. This document outlined the social injustices faced by women and called for equal rights, including suffrage. Notable figures like Susan B. Anthony emerged post-Civil War, championing the cause of women's suffrage and civil rights.

• Horace MannA key leader in the education reform movement, Horace Mann advocated for public schooling and the importance of teacher training. He pushed for standardized curricula in schools and fought for educational opportunities for all children, emphasizing the need for an educated citizenry in a democracy. His initiatives led to significant changes in how education was viewed and structured in America.

• Harriet Beecher Stowe – "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" (1852)Stowe's novel played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion against slavery in the North. By vividly depicting the brutal realities of slavery through the story of Uncle Tom, the book galvanized abolitionist sentiment and fueled tensions between the North and South. It became one of the best-selling novels of the 19th century and had a lasting impact on the American conscience regarding slavery.

• Manifest DestinyThis widely held belief in the 19th century asserted that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent, promoting the idea of American exceptionalism. This concept justified numerous territorial acquisitions and conflicts, including the Mexican-American War, leading to significant demographic and cultural changes throughout the continent.

• Oregon Territory (1840s)The Oregon Territory was jointly occupied by the U.S. and Britain until 1846, when the Oregon Treaty was signed, solidifying U.S. claims over the region. The territory attracted many settlers through the Oregon Trail, highlighting the importance of westward expansion and the pursuit of economic opportunities in agriculture.

• "Fifty-four forty or fight!"This slogan was associated with President James K. Polk's campaign in the 1844 election, referring to the northern boundary of the Oregon Territory. It signified the aggressive stance the U.S. was willing to take to assert its claim over the territory, although diplomacy eventually led to a peaceful resolution with Britain.

• Debates on Expansion of SlaveryThe topic of slavery's expansion into newly acquired territories became a contentious issue, leading to significant legislative proposals. The Wilmot Proviso aimed to ban slavery in the lands gained from Mexico, while the idea of popular sovereignty, championed by Stephen Douglas, allowed states to decide the issue themselves, leading to increased sectional conflict.

• Antebellum Period (Pre-Civil War Era)This era was characterized by a surge in reform movements, economic growth, and rising tensions over slavery. It saw the emergence of various groups advocating for abolition, women’s rights, and temperance, laying the groundwork for the societal struggles that would lead to the Civil War.

• Annexation of Texas (1845)The annexation of Texas into the United States not only brought a new state into the Union but also escalated tensions with Mexico, leading to the Mexican-American War. This event intensified the national debate over slavery and heightened sectional divides as new territories were added.

• Texas-U.S. Boundary DisputesThe U.S. claimed the Rio Grande as the southern boundary of Texas, while Mexico argued for the Nueces River. This disagreement triggered the Mexican-American War, where the U.S. aimed to assert its territorial claims and defend what it saw as aggression from Mexico.

• Spot Resolution (1847)Proposed by Abraham Lincoln, this resolution questioned the justification for the Mexican-American War by demanding evidence that American blood had been shed on U.S. soil. It highlighted growing opposition to the war among some members of Congress and set the stage for Lincoln's future political emergence.

• Wilmot Proviso (1846)Although it failed to pass, the Wilmot Proviso was significant as it proposed to prohibit slavery in the territories acquired from Mexico. Its introduction sparked heated debates and divisions within Congress, illustrating the contentious nature of slavery in American politics.

• Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)This treaty concluded the Mexican-American War and resulted in the U.S. acquiring vast territories, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado. The outcome significantly increased the size of the United States, impacting future debates over slavery and contributing to the sectional tensions that would erupt into civil war.

• Compromise of 1850A series of laws aimed at easing tensions between free and slave states, the Compromise included admitting California as a free state, introducing a stricter Fugitive Slave Act, and allowing popular sovereignty in New Mexico and Utah. While it temporarily settled disputes, it ultimately failed to resolve the underlying issues of slavery and sectionalism.

• American Party (Know-Nothings)Formed in the 1850s, the American Party was characterized by its nativist and anti-immigrant sentiments, particularly against Irish and German Catholics. They aimed to curb immigration and influence politics but rapidly faded from prominence as sectional conflict took precedence.

• Bleeding Kansas (1850s)A series of violent confrontations between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the Kansas Territory, Bleeding Kansas exemplified the deep divisions within the country over the issue of slavery. This conflict served as a precursor to the Civil War, highlighting the extent to which debates over slavery were becoming increasingly violent.

• Dred Scott Decision (1857)In a landmark Supreme Court case, the Court ruled that enslaved African Americans were not citizens and could not sue in court. This decision effectively nullified the Missouri Compromise, asserting that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in the territories, further inflaming sectional tensions.

• Battle of Fort Sumter (1861)The first battle of the Civil War, occurring in April 1861, Fort Sumter's capture by Confederate forces marked the beginning of active hostilities. This conflict galvanized both the North and South, leading to a full-scale war that would last four years and have profound implications for the nation.

• Secession (1860-1861)Following Lincoln's election in 1860, South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union, with ten additional states soon following. This act of secession was driven by fears that the federal government would restrict the institution of slavery, signaling the breakdown of national unity and the path towards civil conflict.

• Border StatesThese slave states—Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia—remained loyal to the Union during the Civil War. Their strategic importance was recognized by both the Union and Confederacy, influencing military plans and policies on both sides.

• Battle of Antietam (1862)Known as the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, Antietam resulted in significant casualties for both sides and a strategic Union victory. The battle provided President Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, transforming the war goals of the Union.

• Suspension of Habeas CorpusIn response to the Civil War, President Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus, allowing for the arrest of individuals, including those sympathetic to the Confederacy, without trial. This controversial action highlighted the tension between civil liberties and national security during wartime.

• Civil War Soldier DeathsThe Civil War saw unprecedented casualties, with disease being the leading cause of death, more than actual combat injuries. Conditions in camps and battles often led to outbreaks of dysentery, infections, and other illnesses, showcasing the inadequacies of medical care and sanitation practices at the time.

• Battle of Vicksburg (1863)The Siege of Vicksburg was a major turning point in the Civil War, resulting in the Union gaining control over the Mississippi River. The victory effectively split the Confederacy in two, crippling Confederate logistics and enabling Union forces to move more freely throughout the South.

• Emancipation Proclamation (1863)Issued by Lincoln, this proclamation declared freedom for all enslaved individuals in Confederate states, although it did not apply to border states or areas under Union control. This move was as much a strategic military decision as it was a moral stance, aiming to weaken the Confederate war effort by freeing slaves and allowing them to join the Union army.

• 13th, 14th, 15th AmendmentsThese Reconstruction Amendments were pivotal in shaping post-war America: the 13th Amendment abolished slavery; the 14th guaranteed citizenship rights for African Americans and equal protection under the law; and the 15th Amendment aimed to protect the voting rights of Black men. Together, they laid the foundation for future civil rights advancements.

• Battle of Gettysburg (1863)This battle marked a major turning point in the Civil War, ending General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North. The Union's victory not only boosted morale but also prevented further Confederate advances, ultimately leading to a strategy of attrition against the South.

• Lincoln’s 10% PlanA lenient Reconstruction strategy proposed by President Lincoln, this plan required that only 10% of voters in Southern states pledge allegiance to the Union for the state to rejoin. This approach aimed at reconciliation and rapid reintegration of the Southern states back into the Union.

• Carpetbaggers, Scalawags, CopperheadsThese terms described various groups during the Reconstruction era: Carpetbaggers were Northerners who moved to the South seeking economic opportunities; Scalawags were Southern Republicans who supported Reconstruction; and Copperheads were peace Democrats in the North who opposed the war effort. Each group faced significant social stigma and resistance.

• RedeemersA coalition of Southern Democrats aimed to restore white supremacy and dismantle Reconstruction policies. Through political maneuvering and violence, including the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, they worked to reclaim control over Southern governments and society after the Civil War.

• Black CodesThese restrictive laws were enacted in Southern states to limit the rights of freedmen and maintain white dominance after the Civil War. They restricted African Americans' mobility, employment rights, and access to public facilities, setting the stage for Jim Crow laws.

• Freedmen’s Bureau (1865)Established to assist formerly enslaved individuals, the Freedmen’s Bureau provided education, job training, housing assistance, and healthcare. Despite its noble intentions, it faced considerable opposition from Southern whites, and its effectiveness was limited by political and social resistance.

• Civil Rights Acts of 1866 & 1875The 1866 Civil Rights Act granted citizenship rights to all persons born in the U.S., including African Americans, while the 1875 Act aimed to guarantee equal access to public places. However, the latter was largely unenforced, reflecting the difficulties in securing civil rights for Black Americans during Reconstruction.

• President Johnson’s Impeachment (1868)In a conflict with Radical Republicans, President Andrew Johnson was impeached primarily for violating the Tenure of Office Act by attempting to remove Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. The impeachment highlighted the struggle between the presidency and Congress over Reconstruction policies and the future of civil rights.

• Radical RepublicansA faction within the Republican Party, Radical Republicans advocated for a more stringent approach to Reconstruction, demanding civil rights for freedmen and harsher penalties for the Southern states that rebelled. Their vision for America included a fundamental transformation of Southern society post-war.

• Radical ReconstructionThis phase of Reconstruction involved the division of the South into military districts governed by Union generals who enforced civil rights legislation and aimed to rebuild Southern society. This effort faced significant backlash from Southern whites, leading to violent resistance and the eventual end of Radical Reconstruction.

• SharecroppingA prevalent arrangement in the South post-Civil War, sharecropping allowed freedmen to work land owned by white landowners in exchange for a share of the crop. However, this system often led to debt peonage as many sharecroppers found themselves unable to escape from economic dependency due to exploitative practices.

• Ku Klux Klan (Founded 1865)This white supremacist group was established to intimidate and suppress African American civil rights through terror and violence. The Klan targeted Black individuals, as well as sympathetic whites, and played a significant role in rollback efforts of Reconstruction reforms and maintaining white dominance in the South.

• The Corrupt Bargain (1877)This backroom deal resolved the contentious election of 1876, where Rutherford B. Hayes became president in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. This marked the end of Reconstruction and allowed Southern Democrats to regain control over state governments.

• End of Reconstruction (1877)The withdrawal of federal troops from the South effectively ended Reconstruction, leading to the establishment of Jim Crow laws and the systematic disenfranchisement of African Americans. The end of this period marked a significant regression in civil rights for Black citizens in the South and perpetuated racial segregation for decades to come.

• Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-1881)Hayes' presidency focused on the reunification of the nation post-Civil War. He aimed to promote civil service reform and sought to navigate the complex landscape of Southern politics following the withdrawal of federal troops, attempting to balance the interests of both Northern and Southern constituencies.