U.S. History Flashcards
Squanto
Algonquian helped English settlers survive winter by teaching them how to farm corn, squash, and pumpkins
Pocahontas
Algonquian liaison with John Smith’s colony of Jamestown 1607
Sacagawea
Shoshone helped Lewis and Clark in 1805
Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull
led Sioux and Cheyenne troops in the Battle of Little Bighorn, defeating George Custer’s forces (last big Native victory?)
Chief Joseph
Nez Perce, supported peaceful interaction with white settlers and tried to relocate his tribe to Canada
Algonquians
Eastern U.S., lived in wigwams. Northerners were hunter/gatherers. Southerners grew crops.
Iroquois
East coast, lived in long houses, different language than Algonquians
Plains Tribes
Sioux, Cheyenne, Comanche, Blackfoot
Nomadic, lived in teepees to follow buffalo migration.
Pueblo tribes
Southwest. Zuni, Hope, Acoma. Stone and adobe homes, domesticated animals and farmed.
Pacific/West Coast tribes
Tlingit, Chinook, Salish. Fished, hunted, and gathered. Rectangular homes for large family groups. Totem poles.
Norther Tribes
North of U.S. Aleuts and Inuits. Lived in tents or igloos. Fished and hunted caribou, seals, whales and walrus. Built Kayaks and umiaks.
New England Colonies
New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Founded to escape religious persecution in England - Puritans. Economy centered on fishing, shipbuilding, and TRADE. Life centered on towns and cities. Coastal cities thrived.
Mid Atlantic Colonies
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Founders from many different countries with different reasons for immigrating. Major producers of crops - rye, oats, potatoes, wheat, barley. Life centered on farms.
Southern Colonies
Maryland, Virginia (first colony), North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia (last colony). Economy based on labor intensive crops - tobacco, indigo, and rice (cash crops). Land controlled by wealthy plantation owners. Laborers were indentured servants and African slaves.
King William’s War
Also called Nine Years War. 1689 - 1697. British and French fought in Flanders
British Defeat of Spanish Armada
- Led to the decline of Spanish power in Europe. This in turn led Britain and French to vie for power in four wars 1689 - 1748
War of Spanish Succession
Also called Queen Anne’s war. 1702 - 1713.
War of Austrian Succession
Also called King George’s War. 1740 - 1748.
French and Indian War
1754 - 1763. Last of the British/French Wars, fought largely in North America. Ended France’s reign as a colonial power in North America.
France had more cooperative colonists and more Indian allies than Britain, but William Pitt led the British to victory.
Costs incurred by this war led to discontent in the British colonies which later helped spark the American Revolution.
Navigation Acts
1651 An attempt by Britain to dominate international trade
Aimed mostly at the Dutch (Netherlands), it banned non - British ships from transporting goods to the British colonies and Britain from elsewhere in Europe.
Some colonists did not like the Navigation Acts, but others benefited from them - those involved in British trade or ship making benefited economically.
By the time of the French and Indian War 1/3 of all British merchant ships were made in the American colonies, and many colonists earned fortunes in this industry.
Post French and Indian War Taxes
After the French and Indian War the British needed revenue to:
- Pay of War debt
- Continue defending their empire
- Govern their 33 colonies, including the American colonies
They increased taxes on the colonies, thinking this was fair because they had spent so much defending them in the French and Indian War. The colonists felt this was unfair, because they did not get a voice in the war or the increased taxes. This led to protests.
Triangular Trade in American Colonies
- American Colonies bring rum to Africa.
- In Africa rum was traded for gold or slaves.
- Ships then went to the West Indies trading slaves for sugar, molasses, or money.
- Ships return to colonies with sugar/molasses to make more rum, and with gold and silver.
This trade violated the Molasses Act of 1733 - which required colonies to pay high duties on molasses from non - British colonies. The colonists ignored this and the British did not enforce them.
New Laws in 1763
British passed new laws after the French and Indian War that required the colonies to pay money to Britain.
British thought this was fair because they were British subjects and because they were protecting the colonies.
Colonists felt this was unfair and illegal because they were not represented.
Colonial perspective on government
Colonies in American used local governments, which gave them a different view on the structure and role of government than the British.
The British did not understand this perspective and thought they were being reasonable since the role of colonies is to support the Mother Country.
Development of American Colonial Identity
Especially as colonists were born in America with no memory of Britain, the sense of kinship with Britain decreased.
Officially, colonists were allowed to govern their own domestic issues, but Britain reigned in international issues. Still, prior to the French and Indian War, the colonists were largely left to themselves.
American colonies had more freedom and power than most other colonies and could even form their own domestic governments.
This gave the colonists as sense of independence, so they resented British influence and control.
Colonial vs. British government
Colonists practiced representative government. Legislative bodies were made up of elected representatives - chosen by the property - owning men in the districts. The job of these individuals was to represent the interests of the districts who had elected them.
The British Parliament represented the entire country, members were not elected to represent the interests of individual districts. Instead they represented specific classes (strong representation for nobility, and some representation of “new money” wealth). Some British legislators claimed the colonies had “virtual representation” because parliament would try to act in the best interest of the colonies and Britain as a whole.
Quartering Act
1765, Required colonists to house and provide supplies for British troops. Also prohibited colonists from settling west of the Appalachians.
Sugar Act
1764, Required taxes to be collected on molasses brought into the colonies (used to make rum, a major export). Gave British officials the right to search of homes of anyone suspected of violating the act.
Stamp Act
1765, Taxed printed materials such as newspapers and legal documents. 9 colonies met in New York to demand its repeal.
Protests of the Act arose in NYC, Philadelphia, Boston, and other cities - sometimes escalating into violence. Repealed in 1766.
Declaratory Act
1766 After the Stamp Act was repealed, stated that Parliament had the right to govern the colonies.
Townshend Acts
- Taxed paper, paint, lead, and tea that entered the colonies. Colonists boycotted these goods.
In Massachusetts leaders such as Samuel and John Adams began to organize resistance to British rule.
Boston Massacre
Discontent after the Stamp and Townshend Acts led British to send troops to NYC and Boston.
March 5 1770 Protestors taunted British troops, throwing snowballs. At least one soldier fired into the crowd. Ensuing clash led to 5 deaths and 8 injuries, and was called the Boston Massacre by colonists to draw sympathy to their plight.
After the Boston Massacre, Britain repealed the majority of the Townshend Acts, but kept the tax on tea.
Tea Act
1773 Tea Act allowed the East India Company to sell tea for lower prices by bypassing American distributors, and selling directly to shopkeepers. Colonial tea merchants saw this as a direct assault on their business.
Boston Tea Party
December 1773. Angry at the Tea Act of 1773, 150 merchants boarded ships in Boston Harbor and dumped 342 chests of tea into the sea in protest.
Coercive Acts
1774 designed to punish Massachusetts for defying British authority. 4 Acts
1. Shut down ports in Boston until the city paid back the value of the tea destroyed in the Boston Tea Party
2. Required Massachusetts government to be appointed by the British governor instead of being elected by the residents of the state.
3. Allowed trials of British soldiers to be transferred to Britain instead of being held in Massachusetts
4. Required residents to provide lodging for British soldiers, even in their own homes
These Acts led to the assembly of the First Continental Congress. Called the “Intolerable Acts” by the colonists.
First Continental Congress
Met in Philadelphia, Sept. 5, 1774. Goal was to achieve a peaceful agreement with Britain. Delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies.
Affirmed their loyalty to Britain and deferred to the British Parliament.
Demanded the Intolerable Acts/Coercive Acts be repealed, instituted a trade embargo with Britain until they did.
Response to First Continental Congress
King George III said the colonies must submit to the Acts, or they would face military action. Colonial assemblies began gathering weapons.
Battle of Lexington and Concord
April 19, 1775 The British military was ordered to disperse a meeting of the Massachusetts Assembly. The colonists were armed and resisted, a battle ensued on the Lexington Common. This was the first battle of the American Revolution.
Second Continental Congress
Met in Philadelphia May 10, 1775 a month after the Battle of Lexington and Concord. They discussed the defense of the colonies, how to conduct war, and the possibility of declaring independence.
They established an army and on June 15 named George Washington its commander in chief.
Declaration of Independence
By 1776 there was agreement that war was inevitable.
The delegates of the Continental Congress drafted and signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Thomas Jefferson wrote.
Stated that King George III had violated the rights of the colonists and was tyrannical.
Battle of Bunker Hill
June 1775 (lexington and concord was in April). One of he bloodiest battle of the war. American troops withdrew but half of Britain’s forces were lost.
This battle proved that the colonists could stand against Britain’s professional army.
In August, Britain declared the colonies were in a state of rebellion.
First Colonial Victory
December 26 1776. Trenton, New Jersey. Washington led his men across the Delaware River on Christmas to make a surprise attack on British and Hessian troops.
Hessian Troops
German soldiers on contract with the British to fight for them.
The Battle of Saratoga
Ended British plan to separate New England from Southern colonies. Surrender of General John Burgoyne. This victory led to France joining the war as Allies to the colonies. Considered a turning point in the war.
Battle of Yorktown
October 19, 1781 General Cornwallis surrendered. End of Revolutionary War.
Treaty of Paris
September 3, 1783. Ended the Revolutionary War.
Britain recognized the US as an independent nation.
Established the Mississippi River as the country’s western boarder. Granted land to the US that belonged to Native Americans.
Gave Florida to Spain, gave Britain’s African and Caribbean colonies to France.
November 24, 1783 the last British troops departed the US.
Philosophical influences on the Constitution
Jefferson’s ideas of natural rights and property rights were shaped by 17th century philosopher John Locke.
Jefferson: “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Locke: “Life, liberty, and private property”
Both felt that the purpose of government was to protect the rights of the people, and individuals rights are more important than their obligation to the state.
Articles of Confederation
Precursor to the Constitution. First attempt to establish a fully independent, national government.
Continental Congress passed it November 15, 1777. Went into effect March 1, 1781.
Wanted to avoid too much centralized power. Gave power to a Congressional body made up of delegates from all 13 states, and gave individual states final authority.
Without a strong central executive, this system was ineffective - could not settle disputes or enforce laws.
Constitution
Delegates from all states except Rhode Islands met in Philadelphia, May 1787 to revise the Articles of Confederation.
Quickly decided to make a new document, but kept it a secret until it was completed. This way, the document was not open to public scrutiny.
Structure of Government in Constitution
Delegates agreed the new nation needed a strong central government. But they also wanted to limit government power. Devised Branches to balance power, and final power belonged to the citizens who voted for officials to represent them.
Virginia Plan
Plan proposed by Virginia gov Edmond Randolph and favored by larger states. Said representation in Congress should be based on a state’s population.
New Jersey Plan
Proposed by William Paterson from New Jersey and favored by smaller states. Said representation in Congress should be equal for all states.
Great Compromise
Proposed by Roger Sherman from Connecticut. Created a bicameral legislature with equal representation in the Senate and population - based representation in the House. Financial matters must originate in the House of Representatives.
3/5 Compromise
Disagreement between Northern and Southern states on how to count slaves. Southerners wanted slaves to be counted to determine the number of representatives they got in the South. Northerners did not. Compromise to count slaves as 3/5 of a person to calculate population both for tax purposes and representation.
Commerce Compromise
Northern economy centered on trade and industry, southern economy depended on agriculture. North wanted to government to regulate exports and interstate trade. South did not - they did not want tariffs to be levied on slaves. To compromise, Congress got regulatory power on all trade, including the power to collect tariffs on exported goods. But the importation of slaves was allowed to continue for 20 years without government intervention, and import taxes on slaves were limited. After 1808 Congress would decide whether to allow this to continue.
Concerns with the Constitution
- No bill of rights (yet)
- Too much power in the central government
- Voters wanted more control over their elected representatives.
Federalists v. Anti - Federalists
Federalists wanted a strong central government. Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, James Madison.
Anti - Federalists feared a tyrannical central government, wanted to limit the power of the federal government. Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. Wrote the Anti - Federalist papers.
Federalist Papers
Written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay to convince the states to ratify the Constitution. A series of letters. Published in New York newspapers.
Final Constitution
- Strong central government with checks and balances
- Bill of Rights added (the first ten amendments to the constitution)
- Constitution today is unchanged except for Amendments
First government administration
President: George Washington elected 1789
VP: John Adams (runner up for president)
Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson (appointed by Washington)
Secretary of the Treasury: Alexander Hamilton (Secretary of the Treasury)
Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)
John Adams passed as President. Made it illegal to speak against the US government, and allowed the president to depart any non - citizens who they suspected of treason or treasonous activity.
Came out of division in America - some supported British in war against Napoleon, others (including Adams) supported France.
When Thomas Jefferson became president (1800) he repealed these Acts
Early Political Parties
Many were opposed to the formation of political parties in the early formation of the government.
However, factions split along the ideological lines of Hamilton and Jefferson. Those backing Hamilton called themselves Federalists. Those supporting Jefferson called themselves Democratic - Republicans.
Federalists v. Democratic Republicans
Federalists: Strong central government and loose interpretation of the Constitution (“spirit of the law”)
Federalist Party disappeared shortly after Alexander Hamilton’s Death in 1804
Gone by 1816
Democratic Republicans: More power should remain with the sates, strict interpretation of the Constitution
Whigs v. Democratic Parties
1824 Jefferson’s Democratic - Republican Party split into Whigs and Democrats.
Whigs supported John Adams and industrial growth
Democrats opposed whigs and supported Andrew Jackson. Jackson elected president 1828.
Republicans v. Democrats
1850s Republican party formed, opposed slavery.
Democratic party supported the interests of the South and favored slavery.
This division forms the basis of today’s two - party system.
Marbury v. Madison
At the end of John Adam’s presidency, he worked to appoint Federalist judges because he knew Jefferson - the next president - was Anti Federalist.
Made last - minute appointments known as “Midnight Judges” - including William Marbury.
Jefferson ordered his Secretary of State James Madison not to delivery Marbury’s commission.
This decision was backed by Chief Justice John Marshall, who deemed the Judiciary Act of 1789 (which granted the power to deliver commissions) unconstitutional.
This case set the precedent for the Supreme Court to nullify laws it deemed unconstitutional.
McCullough v. Maryland
Congress chartered the national Second Back of the United States. Maryland voted to tax any business dealing with banks outside the state. Andrew McCullough - an employee of the Second Bank - refused to pay this tax. Chief Justice John Marshall stated the Congress had the right to charter a national bank and Maryland did not have the right to levy a tax on any federal entity.
This decision set the precedent for the federal government to overrule state governments if the two were in conflict.
Expansion after Treaty of Paris
Treaty of Paris gave land to the US that Natives resided on.
The US government tried to claim the land and treat the Native people as “conquered’ but this could not be effectively enforced.
Then they tried to purchase the land through treaties, but usually they did not honor the treaties and forcibly relocated the Native people further and further West.
Indian Removal Act 1830
Gave the US government power to form treaties with Native Americans. Usually these treaties were not voluntary - Native leaders were forced into signing treaties and their people were forcibly relocated.
Treaty of New Echota and the Trail of Tears
Supposedly a treat between the US government and Cherokee tribes in Georgia, but it was not signed by Tribal leaders - instead some non - representative members signed it (probably bribed).
Leaders refused to move their people, but President Martin Van Buren sent the military to relocate them in what later became known as the Trail of Tears. 4,000+ Cherokee died.
Early US economy
Northeast: manufacturing, industry and industrial development. Class divide between business owners and workers.
South: Plantation - based agriculture and slave labor and indentured servitude
West: Beginning to develop, small agricultural communities and livestock
Louisiana Purchase
1803 Napoleon needed money to fund his war efforts, sold France’s Louisiana Territory (for $15 million) to President Jefferson.
Jefferson believed this would strengthen US trade because the port at New Orleans was vulnerable to Spain and France.
The Purchase was larger than the rest of the US, became 15 additional states.
Federalists in Congress opposed the purchase because they feared it would expand slavery and weaken the power of the northern states.
Early Foreign Policy (summarized)
Isolationism, No entangling alliances, Nationalism
Isolationism (early foreign policy)
Did not intend to establish foreign colonies in other lands. Did want to expand in North America.
No Alliances (early foreign policy)
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were opposed to forming any permanent alliances with other countries or becoming involved in other countries’ affairs.
Nationalism
Patriotic feeling about the US, developed particularly after the War of 1812 (US defeated Britain).
Nationalism also increased during the Industrial Revolution as communication across the continent increased rapidly.
Precursor to War of 1812
Continuing tension between France and Great Britain, with Napoleon trying to conquer Britain.US wanted to continue to trade with both nations.
US favored France and their colonies and Britain saw this as an alliance, which they wanted to break.
British tried to limit US trade with France, France tried to limit US trade with Britain.
President James Madison introduced acts to regulate international trade - so if either France or Britain removed the restrictions they were using to limit US trade, the US would not trade with the other country who did not lift their restrictions. Napoleon lifted France’s restrictions and the US stopped trade with England. The British saw this as a formal siding with the French, so war ensued in 1812.
War of 1812
Called the Second American Revolution, because it proved America’s international strength (esp naval forces) and reestablished their independence from Britain.
Two major naval battles at Lake Erie and Lake Champlain kept the British from invading the US via Canada. Americans also tried to conquer Canadian lands but were not successful. British also invaded Washington DC and burned the White House.
Christmas Even 1814 the Treat of Ghent ended the war.
Unaware that the war was over, General Andrew Jackson won a battle at New Orleans January 8 1815. This benefited American pride and nationalism in the “era of good feelings.”
British objections to American Trade with France (war of 1812)
They saw American trade as a sign that the US was supporting France’s war efforts (this offended the British because Napoleon kept trying to conquer Britain).
They also saw the US as a competitor in trade, taking business away from Britain.
To restrict US trade with France they enacted the Orders in Council which made all French owned ports off limits. They also began to seize American ships and conscript their crews
Conscription
Men on American trade ships were taken and forced into the British Navy without their consent.
Monroe Doctrine
1823, President Monroe delivered a message to Congress, where he stated that any attempts by European nations to establish new colonies in North America would be considered interference into American politics. He also said the US would stay out of European matters, and Europe should stay out of theirs.
Lewis and Clark
President Jefferson wanted to have the Louisiana Purchase territory mapped and explored - much of the land was considered “wilderness.”
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the expedition - traveling all the way to the Pacific ocean and back over 2 years, bringing back maps and detailed journals of the land. This opened up the area for further exploration and settlement.
Manifest Destiny
Ideology popular in the 1800s, said that the US was destined by God to expand west and bring as much land as possible into the nation. This expansion brought conflict with the Native peoples, and British, Mexican, and Spanish governments.
Mexican American War
1846 - 1848.
Mexico was $4.5 million in debt after their war for independence. President Polk offered to forgive their debts in return for New Mexico and upper California. Mexico refused. 1846, US claimed Mexico attacked along the Texan border and war was declared.
49th Parallel (Oregon)
Conflict arose over Oregon country, which was shared by the US and Britain. President James Polk compromised with Britain by establishing a US boundary south of the 49th parallel.
Independence of Mexico and Texas
Spain had a presence in the Americas since 1540. in 1821, Mexico revolved against Spain and became an independent nation. In 1836 Texas did the same.
1844 President Tyler decided to annex Texas. 1845 Texas became a state.
1853 Treaty with Mexico
Outcome of Mexican - American War in which the US gained previously Mexican territory. Determined southwest borders of US, US gained large southwest territory.
Wilmot Proviso
Stated that any territory the US acquired from Mexico should be legally open to slavery. Caused conflict in Congress (likely a division between northern and southern states).
Gadsden Purchase
1854 Provided more territory to the US to aid in the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Added what would become part of Arizona and New Mexico.
American System
Tariffs to help protect American interests. Spurred by the trade conflicts with War of 1812, and supported by Henry Clay. This benefited American industry and increased employment. Congress passed tariffs in 1816 and chartered the Second Bank of the United States.
Jacksonian Democracy
A shift from politics favoring the wealthy to politics favoring the common man. White men no longer had to own property to vote.
Patronage system, laissez faire economics, and mass relocation of and violence towards Native peoples.
Vetoed the charter to renew the Second Bank of the US, allowing it to collapse. Refuted Nullification theory.
Nullification Theory
South Carolina claimed it could ignore or nullify any federal law it considered unconstitutional under Andrew Jackson’s presidency. Jackson sent troops to enforce the protested laws (about tariffs) and Henry Clay made a compromise in 1833.
Conflicts between North and South
Disagreed over slavery. Southern economy depended on it. North had a more diverse agricultural economy and lots of industry. Anti - slavery organizations formed in the North.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Harriet Beecher Stowe. Novel helped the abolitionist movement.
American Colonization Society
Formed by Protestant churches to return slaves to Africa. Returned slaves formed Liberia but the colony did not do well because the region did not support agriculture.
American Anti - Slavery Society
Quaker William Lloyd Garrison founded and was a eager of this group. Published the newspaper “The Liberator”.
Female Anti - Slavery Society
Formed by Margaretta Forten because women were not allowed to join the Anti - Slavery Society formed by her father.
Anti - Slavery Convention of American Women
Continued meeting even after their original headquarters was burned down by slavery supporters
Female Vigilant Society
Raised funds to help the Underground Railroad and refugees of slavery
Horace Mann
Wrote the “Common School Journal” bringing attention to the importance of education and gaining support for free public education.
Believed education was a way to unify US society and prevent crime and poverty.
Public Education in the US
Accessible education increased literacy rates, which led to increased awareness of current events and interest and participation in the arts and literature increased. By the end of the 19th century elementary education was free and open to all children.
Transportation
As borders expanded, new technology developed to cross the country. Transcontinental Railroad eventually allowed coast to coast travel. Canals and steamboats made travel and shipping easier and less expensive.
Wagon trails developed to help people travel West as the US expanded, such as the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and the Santa Fe Trail. People travelled in covered wagons.
Erie Canal
1826 connected the Great Lakes to the Hudson River.
Industry changing Economy
During the 18th century, goods were manufactured at home or in small shops. With new technology, machines and factories could produce more goods in less time.
Factories needed labor, and provided jobs for many Americans including immigrants.
Cotton Gin
Expanded the cotton industry in the South by decreasing the processing time of cotton.
Labor Movements 1800s
1751 first labor strike in America - bakers stopped baking bread.
1830s and 40s labor movements became more common. Workers in Boston fought for a 10 hour workday.
1844 Textile workers also fought for a 10 hour workday and formed the Lowell Female Labor Reform Association.
Many other protests and organization worked toward the same goal at this time.
Second Great Awakening
1800 - 1830. Led by Protestant evangelical leaders. Missionary groups grew out of the movement, such as the American Home Missionary Society (1826).
Ideology focused on personal responsibility for oneself and social injustice and suffering.
American Bible Society and American Tract Society provided literature for the movement, and preachers traveled across the country. New denominations formed, including the Latter Day Saints and Seventh Day Adventists.
Temperance Movement
Associated with the Second Great Awakening. Major organization behind the movement was the Society for the Promotion of Temperance, formed in Boston in 1826
National Woman’s Suffrage Association
Women’s rights agitation began in the 1840s with leaders Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Ernestine Rose, and Lucretia Mott.
NWSA formed in 1869 and led by Stanton, Rose, and Susan B Anthony.
Seneca Falls Convention
1848 First Woman’s rights convention held in Seneca Falls, discussed women’s rights to vote and run for office. Produced a “Declaration of Sentiments” which outlined a plan for women’s rights. Frederick Douglass supported women’s rights, and often abolition and women’s rights went hand in hand.
Missouri Compromise
1819 There was a delicate power balance between slave and free states. Even representation from each side in the Senate. When Missouri became a state, this would tip the balance. Missouri Comprise made Main a state (free) at the same time as Missouri (slave), so the balance would remain even. Also said any new states about 36 degrees latitude would be free. Since cotton couldn’t grow this far north, southerners agreed to this limitation on slavery.
Missouri Constitution
New state constitution outlawed the immigration of free black Americans into the state, but Henry Clay proposed that the US constitution overruled the Missouri constitution so this would not be allowed.
Popular Sovereignty (slavery)
The position that each state should decide whether to allow slavery within its borders.
Compromise of 1850
California was admitted as a free state
Slave trade in Washington DC was outlawed
(to appease south) - commitment to increase efforts to capture escaped slaves
New Mexico and Utah were given the option to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery
Debate over free/slave states occurred every time a new state prepared to enter the union
Kansas - Nebraska Act
Kansas and Nebraska became territories in 1854, Congress allowed popular sovereignty to decide whether they would be slave or free.
Opponents of slavery argued that the Missouri Compromise made slavery illegal in these territories, so they should not be allowed to choose.
Bleeding Kansas
In Kansas 2 separate governments were formed - one for and one against slavery. People flooded the state from both sides, so when the territory voted their side would win. Violence broke out frequently, leading to the nickname.
Dred Scott
Scott traveled with his owner from Missouri - a slave state, into Illinois and Minnesota - free territory. Then they returned to Missouri where his owner eventually died. Abolitionist activists took Scott’s case to court, saying that because he had lived in a free territory, be was free.
The Supreme Court said that Scott was not a citizen, so his time in free states did not change his slave status, and he did not have the right to sue for his freedom.
Lastly, the Court said the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional because Congress did not have the power to outlaw slavery
John Brown
An abolitionist who participated in many actions, including defending anti-slavery town Lawrence, Kansas, and killing 5 pro - slavery men in the process. He also worked with other abolitionists to raise money for a runaway slaves.
Harper’s Ferry
1859, John Brown seized the the federal arsenal Harper’s Ferry in West Virginia. His goal was to size ammunition and lead a slave rebellion. Robert E. Lee captured Brown and his followers, who were all tried and hanged.
Northerners took the execution as a sign that the government supported slavery, while Southerners believed the North supported Brown.
1860 Election
Candidates represented different opinions on slavery:
1. John Beckenridge, pro- slavery representing Southern Democrats
2. Abraham Lincoln: anti - slavery representing the Republican Party
3. Stephan Douglas: Representing Norther Democrats thought the issue should be determined by states
4. John Bell: Representing the Constitutional Union Party was focused on keeping the Union intact
Lincoln won the election and Southern states seceded due to this victory.
Shortly after secession, the Civil War began with shots at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina.
Advantages of the North in the Civil War
- Large population, more states
- Better transportation - most railroads were in the North. So supply chains and overseers trade were more dependable
- More raw materials: North held most of America’s gold, copper, and other minerals that benefitted the ware effort.
Advantages of the South in the Civil War
- Better trained military officers, trained at West Point and experienced from the Mexican and Indian wars
- More familiar with weapons - lifestyle of the South mean most people were experienced with guns and horses, unlike the North
- Defensive position. The South only had to protect their own land, where the North was invading
- Well - defined goals. The South was fighting for their ideals and their way of life. Many Northerners were not as invested in the war.
Emancipation Proclamation
Issued by President Lincoln 1862. Freed slaves in the Confederate States if these states did not return to the Union by the beginning of the year.
This was a strategy that benefitted the Union war effort - 200,000 blacks fought in the Union army, and 10,0000 served in the navy. By the end of the war 4 million slaves had been freed and in 1865 slavery was banned by Constitutional amendment.
Battle of Bull Run (Civil War)
July 21, 1861. First major land battle of the war. Observers set up picnics to watch, thinking it would be a small skirmish. Instead they saw a bloodbath, Union forces were defeated, and this set the tone for the rest of the war - bloody and long.
Capture of Fort Henry
Led by Ulysses S Grant. February 1862. Union’s first major victory.
Battle of Gettysburg
Jul 1 -3 1863. Deadliest battle of war, (50,000 dead) also seen as a turning point in the war. Robert E. Lee was defeated and the Confederate Army was considerably damaged.
The Overland Campaign
- Ulysses S Grant led this high casualty war campaign to position the Union for victory
Sherman’s March to the Sea
William Tecumseh Sherman May 1864, conquered Atlanta. then traveled to Savannah, destroying things as much as he could to beat down the South - “Sherman’s Neckties”
Surrender at Appomatox
After General Lee’s defeat at the Appomattox Courthouse, General Grant accepted his surrender at the home of Wilmer McLean, Appomattox Virginia April 9, 1865
Assassination of Lincoln
5 days after the end of the war (April 14th 1865), Lincoln and his wife went to the Ford Theater. John Wilkes Booth was unaware that the war was over, and wanted to aid the Confederacy by shooting Lincoln in the head. Lincoln was carried to a nearby house and died the next morning. Booth was tracked down and killed by Union soldiers 12 days later.
Reconstruction
1865-1877 government worked to help restore the South and bring the Confederate states back into the Union.
1866, Congress passed the Reconstruction Acts, putting former Confederate states under military rule.
Freedmen’s Bureau
formed to help feed slaves and poor whites. Provided basic necessities and tried to help former slaves become self - sufficient. Southerners felt the Bureau was turning slaves against their former owners.
Radical Republicans (post war)
Wanted to treat the South harshly after the war. House Leader Thaddeus Stevens suggested they be treated as territories with military rule and territorial government.
Also wanted to give all black men the right to vote. Confederate Soldiers would have to swear they had not fought against the Union to be given full rights of citizens
Moderate Republicans
Wanted only black men who were literate or had served as Union troops to be able to vote.
All Confederate soldiers except leaders would be able to vote.
Lincoln favored the more moderate approach and wanted to bring Confederate states back into the Union.
The Black Codes
Proposed to limit the rights of free slaves. Under these codes black people would not be able to bear arms, serve on juries, assemble, or testify against whites in a court of law. Also mandated segregation in schools and said unemployed blacks could be arrested and forced to work for the state. Supported by President Andrew Johnson - president after Lincoln’s death.
Civil Rights Bill
Countered the Black Codes and wanted to expand rights for freed slaves. President Andrew Johnson vetoed this bill, but Congress overrode his veto and impeached him. However he was not convicted of any crime.
13th Amendment
1865, Prohibited slavery in the US
14th Amendment
1868, All citizens are guaranteed equal legal protection, and gave all citizens the right to file a lawsuit or serve on a jury. Overturned the Dred Scott decision which said he was not a citizen and could not sue for his freedom.
15th Amendment
1870 Says no citizen of the US can be denied the right to vote based on race, color, or previous status as a slave
Reconstruction
3 phases: Presidential, Congressional, and Redemption
Presidential Reconstruction
Driven by President Andrew Johnson. Lenient on the South and allowed continued discrimination and subjugation of Black people.
Congressional Reconstruction
Led by the Radical Republicans in Congress.. Provided civil rights for Black Americans and established military control over Southern governments.
Redemption
Confederate states are admitted gradually into the Union. White democrats took over the government of Southern states and US troops departed from the South in 1877.
Scalawags
Scalawags were white Southerners who supported Reconstruction and wanted to take positions in government. There were a lot of open government positions because many Southerners refused to take the oath that would allow them to vote. So Scallawags had more opportunity to exert their influence.
Carpetbaggers
Northerners who travelled to the South for various reasons. Some provide assistance to freed peoples, others wanted to gain political power or make money in the chaotic conditions of the south.
Transcontinental Railroad
In 1869 the Union Pacific Railroad company completed the first section, from Omaha to Sacramento, CA.
More railroads meant goods could be transported more easily across the country, which was good for industry.
However, shipping fees were hard on small family farmers, while larger companies could get discounts on shipping goods. 90% of the railroad workers were Chinese and they worked in very dangerous conditions for very low pay.
Naturalization Act
1870, limited full citizenship to whites and Black Americans. (made amid anti - Chinese sentiment)
Chinese Exclusion Act
1882, Prohibited immigration of laborers from China
Immigration Act
1882, taxed immigrants 50 cents per person (this rate went up over time). Some (not all) of this money was used to regulate immigration. This was the first immigration “program” in the U.S.
Ellis Island
Opened 892 as a processing center for immigrants arriving in New York.
Emergency Quota Act
Also known as the Johnson Act. Severely limited the number of immigrants allowed into the country. This is the first time the quota system was used in immigration policy. Favored immigrants from Northern Europe.
