Period 5 Apush Study Cards
Manifest Destiny:
Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century belief that the United States was destined to expand its territory across the North American continent. Fueled by a sense of nationalism and the belief in American exceptionalism, this ideology played a pivotal role in westward expansion, leading to the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Trail migrations, and the acquisition of territories from Mexico.
James K. Polk:
Serving as the 11th President of the United States from 1845 to 1849, James K. Polk was a key figure in manifest destiny and westward expansion. Often referred to as "Young Hickory," Polk's presidency saw the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Boundary dispute resolution, and the Mexican-American War, which resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States.
“Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!”:
The slogan "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!" emerged during the Oregon Boundary Dispute between the United States and Great Britain. The slogan reflected American expansionist desires to claim the entire Oregon Territory up to the latitude line of 54°40'. Ultimately, a diplomatic resolution was reached in 1846, and the border was set at the 49th parallel, avoiding military conflict.
Texas Annexation:
Texas Annexation, occurring in 1845, marked the incorporation of the Republic of Texas into the United States. The annexation led to tensions with Mexico, which still considered Texas its territory. This dispute played a significant role in triggering the Mexican-American War, further shaping the course of American expansion.
Mexican-American War:
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was a conflict between the United States and Mexico, primarily over territorial disputes following the annexation of Texas. The war resulted in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, in which Mexico ceded significant territories to the U.S., including California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Wilmot Proviso:
Proposed in 1846 by Congressman David Wilmot, the Wilmot Proviso sought to prohibit slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico during the Mexican-American War. Though never enacted, it heightened sectional tensions between the North and the South, foreshadowing the larger debates over the extension of slavery into the western territories.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Mexican Cession:
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the Mexican-American War. The treaty resulted in the Mexican Cession, where Mexico ceded vast territories to the United States for $15 million. This included present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Gadsden Purchase:
The Gadsden Purchase, negotiated in 1853, involved the acquisition of a strip of land (present-day southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico) from Mexico for $10 million. This purchase was aimed at facilitating the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad and resolving border issues.
Ostend Manifesto:
The Ostend Manifesto was a diplomatic proposal in 1854 that suggested the United States should purchase Cuba from Spain or, if Spain refused, consider taking it by force. The manifesto raised concerns about Southern expansion and the potential extension of slavery, contributing to sectional tensions.
Compromise of 1850, including Fugitive Slave Act details:
The Compromise of 1850 aimed to address the sectional divide over the issue of slavery. It included a series of laws, with the most controversial being the Fugitive Slave Act, which required the return of escaped slaves to their owners, even in free states. The compromise temporarily eased tensions but also intensified the debate over the expansion of slavery.
Uncle Tom's Cabin:
Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," published in 1852, vividly portrayed the harsh realities of slavery. The book had a profound impact on public opinion, fueling anti-slavery sentiments in the North and contributing to the growing tensions between the Northern and Southern states.
Kansas-Nebraska Act (and its relation to the Missouri Compromise):
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, introduced by Stephen A. Douglas, repealed the Missouri Compromise and established the principle of popular sovereignty in the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. This decision allowed residents to determine the status of slavery, leading to violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the region.
Republican Party:
The Republican Party emerged in the mid-1850s as a response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the perceived threat of the spread of slavery into new territories. Comprised of anti-slavery activists, Free Soilers, and former Whigs, the party's platform focused on preventing the expansion of slavery rather than advocating for its immediate abolition.
Bleeding Kansas:
"Bleeding Kansas" refers to the violent clashes and political turmoil in the Kansas Territory during the 1850s, as pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers vied for control. The conflict foreshadowed the intense divisions that would lead to the Civil War.
Charles Sumner:
Charles Sumner, a senator from Massachusetts, became a prominent anti-slavery figure. In 1856, he was brutally attacked on the Senate floor by Representative Preston Brooks after delivering a passionate anti-slavery speech titled "The Crime Against Kansas."
Dred Scott Supreme Court decision:
The Dred Scott v. Sandford Supreme Court decision in 1857 ruled that enslaved individuals, even if taken to free territories, remained the property of their owners and were not entitled to freedom or citizenship. The decision further heightened tensions between North and South.
John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry:
Abolitionist John Brown's raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in 1859 was an attempt to start a slave rebellion. Although the raid failed, it increased tensions and fears of slave uprisings in the South.
Election of 1860:
The Election of 1860 marked a critical turning point in U.S. history. Abraham Lincoln, the Republican candidate, won the presidency without any Southern electoral votes. The election's outcome prompted Southern states to begin seceding from the Union.
Crittenden Compromise:
The Crittenden Compromise was a last-ditch effort to prevent the secession of Southern states. Proposed in 1860-1861, it aimed to extend the Missouri Compromise line to the Pacific, guaranteeing the protection of slavery in territories south of the line.
Emancipation Proclamation:
Issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared all enslaved individuals in Confederate-held territories to be free. While it did not immediately free all slaves, it shifted the war's focus toward the abolition of slavery and encouraged enslaved individuals to seek freedom.
Gettysburg Address:
Given by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the Gettysburg Address emphasized the principles of equality and national unity. Delivered at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the speech highlighted the significance of preserving a government "of the people, by the people, for the people."
Reasons the Union defeated the Confederacy in Civil War:
The Union's victory in the Civil War can be attributed to several factors, including its industrial and economic superiority, naval blockade of Southern ports, effective leadership (such as Ulysses S. Grant and Abraham Lincoln), and a larger population that supported the war effort.
Homestead Act:
The Homestead Act of 1862 provided 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, provided they improve the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. This legislation aimed to encourage westward expansion and settlement of the frontier.
13th Amendment:
Ratified in 1865, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery in the United States, marking a crucial milestone in the nation's history.
Freedmen's Bureau:
Established in 1865, the Freedmen's Bureau was a federal agency tasked with assisting and protecting newly freed African Americans in the South during the early years of Reconstruction. It provided education, healthcare, and other support.
Black Education:
During Reconstruction, efforts were made to establish schools and educational opportunities for newly freed African Americans. Institutions like the Freedmen's Bureau played a key role in supporting black education.
Lincoln’s 10% Plan:
Proposed by President Lincoln in 1863, this Reconstruction plan offered amnesty to Southern states that pledged loyalty to the Union and accepted the abolition of slavery once 10% of the voters took an oath of allegiance.
Wade-Davis Bill (1864):
A more stringent Reconstruction proposal, the Wade-Davis Bill, required a majority of white males in Southern states to take an "ironclad" oath of allegiance and guarantee equal rights for freedmen. However, it was pocket-vetoed by President Lincoln.
Andrew Johnson versus the Radical Republicans (including Impeachment and Senate Trial):
Following Lincoln's assassination, Andrew Johnson became president and clashed with Radical Republicans over Reconstruction policies. Johnson's lenient approach towards the South led to conflicts with Congress, and he faced impeachment in 1868, narrowly avoiding removal from office after a Senate trial.
Black Codes:
Black Codes were discriminatory laws enacted by Southern states in the post-Civil War era, limiting the rights and freedoms of African Americans. These codes aimed to maintain social control and ensure a stable labor force.
Civil Rights Acts of 1866:
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 was the first federal law to define citizenship and affirm that all citizens were equally protected by the law. It aimed to counteract the Black Codes enacted by Southern states.
Reconstruction Act of 1867:
The Reconstruction Act of 1867 divided the Southern states into military districts, requiring them to create new constitutions guaranteeing black male suffrage and ratify the 14th Amendment before rejoining the Union.
14th Amendment:
Ratified in 1868, the 14th Amendment granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves. It also ensured equal protection under the law.
15th Amendment:
Ratified in 1870, the 15th Amendment prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. It aimed to protect the voting rights of African American men.
White League and Ku Klux Klan:
The White League and Ku Klux Klan were white supremacist organizations that emerged in the post-Civil War South. They sought to undermine Reconstruction and intimidate African Americans
Difference between Carpetbaggers and Scalawags:
Carpetbaggers were Northerners who moved to the South during Reconstruction, often with the goal of economic or political gain. Scalawags, on the other hand, were Southern whites who aligned themselves with the Republican Party and supported Reconstruction policies. Both groups faced criticism and hostility from some Southern whites.
Violence against blacks:
The post-Civil War period saw widespread violence against African Americans, perpetrated by groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Acts of terror, including lynchings and intimidation, were aimed at suppressing black political and economic power gained during Reconstruction.
Force Acts/Enforcement Acts (1870-1871):
In response to the Ku Klux Klan's violence and intimidation tactics, Congress passed the Force Acts, a series of laws aimed at protecting the voting rights of African Americans and suppressing Klan activities. These acts allowed for federal intervention in states where the Klan was particularly active.
Amnesty Act:
The Amnesty Act of 1872 provided general amnesty to most former Confederates, allowing them to reenter the political process and hold office. This marked a shift in the federal government's approach to Reconstruction, signaling a desire for reconciliation.
Civil Rights Acts of 1875:
The Civil Rights Act of 1875 aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in public facilities and accommodations. However, the act was largely ineffective and faced legal challenges, and its enforcement waned in the subsequent years.
1876 Supreme Court decisions:
Several Supreme Court decisions in 1876 weakened civil rights protections. In the United States v. Cruikshank and United States v. Reese cases, the Court limited federal authority to prosecute individuals for violating the civil rights of others, particularly in cases of racial violence and voter suppression.
Compromise of 1877:
The Compromise of 1877 marked the end of Reconstruction. In a contentious presidential election, a deal was struck between Republicans and Democrats, resulting in the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction efforts and allowing Southern states to regain control over their governments.
Segregation and Jim Crow Laws:
After the end of Reconstruction, Southern states implemented Jim Crow laws, enforcing racial segregation in public facilities, transportation, and schools. These laws institutionalized racial discrimination and created a system of legal apartheid that persisted for decades.
Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision:
The 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson decision solidified the "separate but equal" doctrine, allowing racial segregation as long as facilities were deemed equivalent. This decision had a profound impact on the legal status of segregation, lasting until the mid-20th century.
Poll Taxes, Literacy Tests, Grandfather Clause:
Southern states implemented discriminatory voting practices, such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses, to disenfranchise African American voters. These measures disproportionately affected black citizens and persisted until the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Sharecropping:
Sharecropping emerged as an economic system in the post-Civil War South, particularly after the abolition of slavery. Sharecroppers, often former slaves, worked on land owned by others and received a share of the crops as payment. This system perpetuated economic dependence and poverty.
Important Dates:
1854: Kansas-Nebraska Act, nullifying the Missouri Compromise.
1861: Start of the Civil War with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter.
1865: End of the Civil War; Abraham Lincoln assassinated.
1896: Plessy v. Ferguson decision, legalizing racial segregation.
Manifest Destiny:
Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century belief that the United States was destined to expand its territory across the North American continent. Fueled by a sense of nationalism and the belief in American exceptionalism, this ideology played a pivotal role in westward expansion, leading to the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Trail migrations, and the acquisition of territories from Mexico.
James K. Polk:
Serving as the 11th President of the United States from 1845 to 1849, James K. Polk was a key figure in manifest destiny and westward expansion. Often referred to as "Young Hickory," Polk's presidency saw the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Boundary dispute resolution, and the Mexican-American War, which resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States.
“Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!”:
The slogan "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!" emerged during the Oregon Boundary Dispute between the United States and Great Britain. The slogan reflected American expansionist desires to claim the entire Oregon Territory up to the latitude line of 54°40'. Ultimately, a diplomatic resolution was reached in 1846, and the border was set at the 49th parallel, avoiding military conflict.
Texas Annexation:
Texas Annexation, occurring in 1845, marked the incorporation of the Republic of Texas into the United States. The annexation led to tensions with Mexico, which still considered Texas its territory. This dispute played a significant role in triggering the Mexican-American War, further shaping the course of American expansion.
Mexican-American War:
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was a conflict between the United States and Mexico, primarily over territorial disputes following the annexation of Texas. The war resulted in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, in which Mexico ceded significant territories to the U.S., including California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Wilmot Proviso:
Proposed in 1846 by Congressman David Wilmot, the Wilmot Proviso sought to prohibit slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico during the Mexican-American War. Though never enacted, it heightened sectional tensions between the North and the South, foreshadowing the larger debates over the extension of slavery into the western territories.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Mexican Cession:
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the Mexican-American War. The treaty resulted in the Mexican Cession, where Mexico ceded vast territories to the United States for $15 million. This included present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Gadsden Purchase:
The Gadsden Purchase, negotiated in 1853, involved the acquisition of a strip of land (present-day southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico) from Mexico for $10 million. This purchase was aimed at facilitating the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad and resolving border issues.
Ostend Manifesto:
The Ostend Manifesto was a diplomatic proposal in 1854 that suggested the United States should purchase Cuba from Spain or, if Spain refused, consider taking it by force. The manifesto raised concerns about Southern expansion and the potential extension of slavery, contributing to sectional tensions.
Compromise of 1850, including Fugitive Slave Act details:
The Compromise of 1850 aimed to address the sectional divide over the issue of slavery. It included a series of laws, with the most controversial being the Fugitive Slave Act, which required the return of escaped slaves to their owners, even in free states. The compromise temporarily eased tensions but also intensified the debate over the expansion of slavery.
Uncle Tom's Cabin:
Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," published in 1852, vividly portrayed the harsh realities of slavery. The book had a profound impact on public opinion, fueling anti-slavery sentiments in the North and contributing to the growing tensions between the Northern and Southern states.
Kansas-Nebraska Act (and its relation to the Missouri Compromise):
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, introduced by Stephen A. Douglas, repealed the Missouri Compromise and established the principle of popular sovereignty in the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. This decision allowed residents to determine the status of slavery, leading to violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the region.
Republican Party:
The Republican Party emerged in the mid-1850s as a response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the perceived threat of the spread of slavery into new territories. Comprised of anti-slavery activists, Free Soilers, and former Whigs, the party's platform focused on preventing the expansion of slavery rather than advocating for its immediate abolition.
Bleeding Kansas:
"Bleeding Kansas" refers to the violent clashes and political turmoil in the Kansas Territory during the 1850s, as pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers vied for control. The conflict foreshadowed the intense divisions that would lead to the Civil War.
Charles Sumner:
Charles Sumner, a senator from Massachusetts, became a prominent anti-slavery figure. In 1856, he was brutally attacked on the Senate floor by Representative Preston Brooks after delivering a passionate anti-slavery speech titled "The Crime Against Kansas."
Dred Scott Supreme Court decision:
The Dred Scott v. Sandford Supreme Court decision in 1857 ruled that enslaved individuals, even if taken to free territories, remained the property of their owners and were not entitled to freedom or citizenship. The decision further heightened tensions between North and South.
John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry:
Abolitionist John Brown's raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in 1859 was an attempt to start a slave rebellion. Although the raid failed, it increased tensions and fears of slave uprisings in the South.
Election of 1860:
The Election of 1860 marked a critical turning point in U.S. history. Abraham Lincoln, the Republican candidate, won the presidency without any Southern electoral votes. The election's outcome prompted Southern states to begin seceding from the Union.
Crittenden Compromise:
The Crittenden Compromise was a last-ditch effort to prevent the secession of Southern states. Proposed in 1860-1861, it aimed to extend the Missouri Compromise line to the Pacific, guaranteeing the protection of slavery in territories south of the line.
Emancipation Proclamation:
Issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared all enslaved individuals in Confederate-held territories to be free. While it did not immediately free all slaves, it shifted the war's focus toward the abolition of slavery and encouraged enslaved individuals to seek freedom.
Gettysburg Address:
Given by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the Gettysburg Address emphasized the principles of equality and national unity. Delivered at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the speech highlighted the significance of preserving a government "of the people, by the people, for the people."
Reasons the Union defeated the Confederacy in Civil War:
The Union's victory in the Civil War can be attributed to several factors, including its industrial and economic superiority, naval blockade of Southern ports, effective leadership (such as Ulysses S. Grant and Abraham Lincoln), and a larger population that supported the war effort.
Homestead Act:
The Homestead Act of 1862 provided 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, provided they improve the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. This legislation aimed to encourage westward expansion and settlement of the frontier.
13th Amendment:
Ratified in 1865, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery in the United States, marking a crucial milestone in the nation's history.
Freedmen's Bureau:
Established in 1865, the Freedmen's Bureau was a federal agency tasked with assisting and protecting newly freed African Americans in the South during the early years of Reconstruction. It provided education, healthcare, and other support.
Black Education:
During Reconstruction, efforts were made to establish schools and educational opportunities for newly freed African Americans. Institutions like the Freedmen's Bureau played a key role in supporting black education.
Lincoln’s 10% Plan:
Proposed by President Lincoln in 1863, this Reconstruction plan offered amnesty to Southern states that pledged loyalty to the Union and accepted the abolition of slavery once 10% of the voters took an oath of allegiance.
Wade-Davis Bill (1864):
A more stringent Reconstruction proposal, the Wade-Davis Bill, required a majority of white males in Southern states to take an "ironclad" oath of allegiance and guarantee equal rights for freedmen. However, it was pocket-vetoed by President Lincoln.
Andrew Johnson versus the Radical Republicans (including Impeachment and Senate Trial):
Following Lincoln's assassination, Andrew Johnson became president and clashed with Radical Republicans over Reconstruction policies. Johnson's lenient approach towards the South led to conflicts with Congress, and he faced impeachment in 1868, narrowly avoiding removal from office after a Senate trial.
Black Codes:
Black Codes were discriminatory laws enacted by Southern states in the post-Civil War era, limiting the rights and freedoms of African Americans. These codes aimed to maintain social control and ensure a stable labor force.
Civil Rights Acts of 1866:
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 was the first federal law to define citizenship and affirm that all citizens were equally protected by the law. It aimed to counteract the Black Codes enacted by Southern states.
Reconstruction Act of 1867:
The Reconstruction Act of 1867 divided the Southern states into military districts, requiring them to create new constitutions guaranteeing black male suffrage and ratify the 14th Amendment before rejoining the Union.
14th Amendment:
Ratified in 1868, the 14th Amendment granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves. It also ensured equal protection under the law.
15th Amendment:
Ratified in 1870, the 15th Amendment prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. It aimed to protect the voting rights of African American men.
White League and Ku Klux Klan:
The White League and Ku Klux Klan were white supremacist organizations that emerged in the post-Civil War South. They sought to undermine Reconstruction and intimidate African Americans
Difference between Carpetbaggers and Scalawags:
Carpetbaggers were Northerners who moved to the South during Reconstruction, often with the goal of economic or political gain. Scalawags, on the other hand, were Southern whites who aligned themselves with the Republican Party and supported Reconstruction policies. Both groups faced criticism and hostility from some Southern whites.
Violence against blacks:
The post-Civil War period saw widespread violence against African Americans, perpetrated by groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Acts of terror, including lynchings and intimidation, were aimed at suppressing black political and economic power gained during Reconstruction.
Force Acts/Enforcement Acts (1870-1871):
In response to the Ku Klux Klan's violence and intimidation tactics, Congress passed the Force Acts, a series of laws aimed at protecting the voting rights of African Americans and suppressing Klan activities. These acts allowed for federal intervention in states where the Klan was particularly active.
Amnesty Act:
The Amnesty Act of 1872 provided general amnesty to most former Confederates, allowing them to reenter the political process and hold office. This marked a shift in the federal government's approach to Reconstruction, signaling a desire for reconciliation.
Civil Rights Acts of 1875:
The Civil Rights Act of 1875 aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in public facilities and accommodations. However, the act was largely ineffective and faced legal challenges, and its enforcement waned in the subsequent years.
1876 Supreme Court decisions:
Several Supreme Court decisions in 1876 weakened civil rights protections. In the United States v. Cruikshank and United States v. Reese cases, the Court limited federal authority to prosecute individuals for violating the civil rights of others, particularly in cases of racial violence and voter suppression.
Compromise of 1877:
The Compromise of 1877 marked the end of Reconstruction. In a contentious presidential election, a deal was struck between Republicans and Democrats, resulting in the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction efforts and allowing Southern states to regain control over their governments.
Segregation and Jim Crow Laws:
After the end of Reconstruction, Southern states implemented Jim Crow laws, enforcing racial segregation in public facilities, transportation, and schools. These laws institutionalized racial discrimination and created a system of legal apartheid that persisted for decades.
Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision:
The 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson decision solidified the "separate but equal" doctrine, allowing racial segregation as long as facilities were deemed equivalent. This decision had a profound impact on the legal status of segregation, lasting until the mid-20th century.
Poll Taxes, Literacy Tests, Grandfather Clause:
Southern states implemented discriminatory voting practices, such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses, to disenfranchise African American voters. These measures disproportionately affected black citizens and persisted until the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Sharecropping:
Sharecropping emerged as an economic system in the post-Civil War South, particularly after the abolition of slavery. Sharecroppers, often former slaves, worked on land owned by others and received a share of the crops as payment. This system perpetuated economic dependence and poverty.
Important Dates:
1854: Kansas-Nebraska Act, nullifying the Missouri Compromise.
1861: Start of the Civil War with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter.
1865: End of the Civil War; Abraham Lincoln assassinated.
1896: Plessy v. Ferguson decision, legalizing racial segregation.
