American Civil War and Expansion Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What was Lincoln's primary goal after his inauguration regarding the Southern states?

  • To demand the immediate surrender of Confederate forces
  • To promote a war against the South
  • To negotiate peace with the Confederate states
  • To ease the fears of Border states (correct)

What action did Lincoln take to try to maintain the unity of the North?

  • Forcing fully armed ships into Southern ports
  • Deploying troops to the South
  • Promising not to attack the Confederate states (correct)
  • Abandoning federal forts in the South

What prompted the beginning of the Civil War?

  • Lincoln's decision to invade Virginia
  • The Confederates' attack on Fort Sumter (correct)
  • The South's refusal to negotiate with the Union
  • Crittenden's sons joining the Confederate army

Who was in command of the Confederate forces that opened fire on Fort Sumter?

<p>Pierre Beauregard (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter?

<p>The fort surrendered to Confederate forces (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Southern politicians play in the persistence of slavery?

<p>They used the 3/5 clause for disproportional representation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of the demographic shift in Congress during the Antebellum period?

<p>Population growth in the North and Midwest. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'manifest destiny' refer to?

<p>The idea that the U.S. should expand its Christian Republic from coast to coast. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following territories was joint occupied during the 1840s?

<p>Oregon (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in California in 1848?

<p>The discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group is specifically not mentioned in relation to American expansion barriers?

<p>The Comanche (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the discovery of gold in 1848 play in American expansion?

<p>It motivated large numbers of Americans to settle in disputed territory. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one main characteristic of the public's view on earlier U.S. expansions?

<p>They were seen as accidental or diplomatic achievements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of system did Mexico attempt to use to populate California after gaining control in 1824?

<p>Ranchero system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant consequence of the American settlers' arrival in Oregon by 1845?

<p>Increased tensions with Native Americans (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which prominent figure attempted to attract American settlers to California?

<p>John Sutter (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major issue for American settlers in Texas prior to the Texas War?

<p>Conflict with Native American tribes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What led to the Texas War for Independence?

<p>Friction between Mexican government and American settlers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which battle marked a turning point in the Texas War for Independence?

<p>Battle of San Jacinto (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the election of James K. Polk as the Democratic nominee in 1844?

<p>The popularity of the Texas issue (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did President Polk accomplish in regard to the Oregon question?

<p>Negotiation of the Buchanan-Pakenham Treaty (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Polk's major domestic policy initiatives during his presidency?

<p>Implementation of the Walker Tariff (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor affected the political debate surrounding the annexation of Texas?

<p>Fear of foreign intervention by Britain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one outcome of the Mexican-American War in relation to the territories claimed by the United States?

<p>Acquisition of California and New Mexico (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happened after President Tyler's decision to annex Texas?

<p>Polk's formal acceptance of the annexation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area was settled primarily due to the American Empresario system?

<p>Texas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event is considered the most divisive ruling in the history of the United States Supreme Court?

<p>The Dred Scott v. Sandford case (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the Panic of 1857 during Buchanan's presidency?

<p>Buchanan's popularity plummeted due to his inaction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What position did Abraham Lincoln stake during the Lincoln-Douglas Debates?

<p>He maintained an anti-slavery tone without advocating for abolition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major criticism of James Buchanan during his presidency?

<p>He failed to address growing tensions over slavery (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the motivation behind the secession of Southern states?

<p>Protection of slavery as enunciated in the cornerstone speech (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the election of 1860, which candidate did the Southern Democrats nominate?

<p>John C. Breckinridge (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes John Brown’s actions at Harper’s Ferry?

<p>He attempted to seize an arsenal to initiate a slave uprising (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the results of the Dred Scott decision?

<p>It reinforced the legality of slavery in the territories (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What alternative political party emerged to attract Whigs in the border states during the 1860 election?

<p>The Constitutional Union Party (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action did Buchanan take in response to South Carolina's secession?

<p>He declared secession illegal and maintained forts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did John J. Crittenden propose as a last-ditch compromise?

<p>To extend the Missouri Compromise line across the continent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main provisions of the Compromise of 1850?

<p>A strong fugitive slave bill was enacted. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which state was the first to secede from the Union following Lincoln’s election?

<p>South Carolina (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event created significant resistance in the North related to the Fugitive Slave Act?

<p>The publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Republican Party fare in the election of 1860 in terms of popular vote?

<p>Received 39%, the smallest plurality for a President (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What approach did Stephen Douglass advocate for the territories of Kansas and Nebraska?

<p>Deciding the slavery issue through popular sovereignty. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one result of the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

<p>The emergence of violence in the territory known as Bleeding Kansas. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first Republican Presidential candidate in the 1856 election?

<p>John C. Fremont. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Millard Fillmore's actions influence the Fugitive Slave Act?

<p>He supported it wholeheartedly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group predominantly comprised the coalition of the early Republican Party?

<p>Anti-slavery Whigs and former Free-Soilers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What incident was Charles Sumner involved in that highlighted North-South tensions?

<p>He was physically attacked by Preston Brooks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was President Franklin Pierce's initial presidential challenge related to?

<p>Dealing with the loss of his only son in a train accident. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary impact of the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin?

<p>It motivated many to join the abolitionist cause. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did John Brown play in the conflict over slavery in Kansas?

<p>He led violent actions against pro-slavery individuals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a main reason for the decline of the Whig Party?

<p>Internal conflicts between factions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'doughface' in the context of Franklin Pierce?

<p>A politician with Southern sympathies despite being a Northerner. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment grew among some individuals involved in the Mexican War regarding the conflict?

<p>It was an unjust land grab. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which proposal aimed to ban slavery in territories acquired from Mexico?

<p>The Wilmot Proviso (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was John C. Calhoun's argument regarding the prohibition of slavery?

<p>It violated the 5th Amendment rights. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major political shift occurred with the formation of the Free Soil Party?

<p>It weakened the Democratic Party significantly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant implication of California's rapid population increase?

<p>It made California eligible for statehood sooner than expected. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a provision of the original compromise proposed by Clay in 1850?

<p>Texas retains its claims to New Mexico (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the California Gold Rush on local native populations?

<p>It led to their dispossession and violence against them. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best describes popular sovereignty as proposed by Lewis Cass?

<p>The people of the territories would vote on slavery issues. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key outcome of the Free Soil Party's involvement in the 1848 election?

<p>It aided Zachary Taylor to win several key states unexpectedly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of the Wilmot Proviso during its various reintroductions?

<p>To continue the debate over slavery in new territories. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did California and New Mexico respond to slavery prior to statehood?

<p>They both banned slavery. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Great Triumvirate' refer to in the context of 1850?

<p>Three influential political leaders. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the American settlers' treatment of Californios after the Mexican-American War?

<p>They sought to dispossess them through various means. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What influenced the perception of the Mexican American War as an attempt to extend slavery?

<p>Opposition from Northern Whigs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the political significance of the Wilmot Proviso's failure in the Senate?

<p>It highlighted the deepening divide over slavery. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theater of the Mexican American War involved General Taylor's early engagements?

<p>Southern Texas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of General Zachary Taylor's victory at Monterrey?

<p>It made Taylor a popular choice for overall command. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo accomplish for the United States?

<p>It confirmed the acquisition of California and New Mexico. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did General Winfield Scott achieve recognition during the war?

<p>By winning multiple battles despite being outnumbered. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Mexican American War for the Mexican inhabitants of the acquired territories?

<p>Many were dispossessed due to legal challenges. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did John C. Fremont play prior to the official start of the Mexican American War?

<p>He was tasked with finding paths for immigrants into California. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event escalated tensions leading up to the Mexican American War?

<p>An attack on American troops by Mexican forces. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for Polk's decision to send negotiator Nicholas Trist to Mexico?

<p>To negotiate the purchase of California and New Mexico. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the military strategy of General Taylor during the Mexican American War?

<p>He aggressively pushed into Mexican territory. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major battles fought by General Winfield Scott during his campaign?

<p>The Siege of Veracruz (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the death of Henry Clay Jr. have on his father?

<p>It hardened his resolve to oppose the war. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the legacy of the Mexican American War?

<p>Its outcomes continue to spark debate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor in the United States' military success in the conflict?

<p>Exploiting Mexican weaknesses, such as lack of preparation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

3/5 Clause

A provision in the U.S. Constitution that counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for purposes of representation in Congress.

Southern Political Power

The Southern states used the 3/5 clause to gain more political power in Congress, but this was threatened by population growth in the North.

Manifest Destiny

The belief that the United States had a God-given right to expand across North America from Atlantic to Pacific.

Expansionist Fever

The intense desire of Americans to expand the United States westward, fuelled by economic, religious, and political motivations.

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American Settlement in West

Americans began settling in the West despite unclear ownership of the land, even before official treaties were signed.

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Gold Rush

The discovery of gold in California in 1848 sparked a massive migration of people to the region, accelerating American expansion.

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Comanche

A powerful Native American tribe that played a significant role in the West but is surprisingly absent from the text.

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Barriers to Expansion

The text briefly mentions Plains Indians and Mexican Territory as obstacles to American expansion, highlighting the conflict inherent in westward expansion.

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Polk's Goal

President Polk's primary aim was to acquire California and New Mexico from Mexico, even attempting to purchase them before the war.

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Mexican-American War: Beginning

The war started when Mexican forces attacked American troops under General Taylor near the Rio Grande, a move Polk portrayed as Mexican aggression.

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Theaters of War

The Mexican-American War consisted of four main battlefields: Southern Texas, Central Mexico, New Mexico, and California.

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John C. Fremont's Role

Fremont was sent by Polk to scout California, but his real mission was to seize it when hostilities began. He established the short-lived Republic of California.

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Stephen Kearny's Conquest

General Kearny led a daring march down the Santa Fe Trail and successfully captured the New Mexico territory, exploiting Mexican weakness.

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Santa Anna's Comeback

General Santa Anna, a formidable Mexican commander, returned to lead the Mexican forces against Taylor. He almost defeated Taylor at the Battle of Buena Vista.

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Battle of Buena Vista

Taylor's forces fought a tactical draw against Santa Anna at Buena Vista in February 1847. Though a near loss for the Americans, it is considered a victory due to Mexican losses.

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Winfield Scott's Campaign

General Winfield Scott spearheaded a successful amphibious invasion of Mexico, capturing Veracruz and marching into the interior, ultimately conquering Mexico City.

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Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

This treaty officially ended the war, granting the U.S. California and New Mexico. Despite Polk's desire for more, it was a humiliation for Mexico.

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Dispossession of Mexican Americans

Mexican Americans were often dispossessed of their land after the war, as they struggled to prove ownership under the Land Act of 1851.

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Gadsden Purchase

The United States acquired a small strip of Arizona desert from Mexico in 1853, completing its territorial acquisitions.

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Legacy of the Mexican-American War

The war, while a military victory for the U.S., left a complex and debatable legacy, raising issues of expansion, war motives, and the treatment of Mexican Americans.

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Why was the Mexican-American War controversial?

The war sparked debates over its necessity, motivations, and the expansion of slavery, highlighting divisions within the nation.

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Fort Sumter

A federal fort in Charleston, South Carolina, that became the site of the first battle of the Civil War when Confederate forces fired upon it.

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Lincoln's Goal

After his inauguration, Lincoln aimed to prevent the South from seceding further by not invading them, hoping to ease tensions and keep the Border states in the Union.

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Resupplying Fort Sumter

Lincoln's strategy to strengthen the Union's position without provoking immediate conflict was to send supplies to Fort Sumter.

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Confederate Response

Instead of allowing the resupply of Fort Sumter, Confederate forces attacked the fort, triggering the start of the Civil War.

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Northern Unity

The Confederate attack on Fort Sumter united the North behind Lincoln, putting an end to any remaining hesitation about fighting the war.

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Fugitive Slave Act

A law passed as part of the Compromise of 1850, requiring Northerners to assist in capturing and returning escaped slaves. This act made all Americans complicit in the institution of slavery, regardless of personal beliefs.

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Uncle Tom's Cabin

A novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe that depicted the harsh realities of slavery, sparking outrage and increasing abolitionist sentiment throughout the North.

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Doughface

A term used to describe a Northerner who held pro-slavery views or sympathized with the South.

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Popular Sovereignty

The principle that residents of a territory should decide whether or not to allow slavery within their borders.

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Kansas-Nebraska Act

A law proposing the organization of the Kansas and Nebraska territories, allowing for the implementation of popular sovereignty on the issue of slavery.

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Bleeding Kansas

A period of violent conflict in Kansas between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces, fueled by the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

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John Brown

An abolitionist who believed in violent resistance against slavery. He led a raid on a pro-slavery settlement in Pottawatomie, Kansas, and was a key figure in the Bleeding Kansas violence.

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Republican Party

A new political party formed in the 1850s, opposed to the expansion of slavery, and eventually became a key force in the lead-up to the Civil War.

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American Party

A political party that emerged in the 1850s, known for its anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic stance.

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Millard Fillmore

The 13th President of the United States who supported the Fugitive Slave Act and was considered pro-slavery, despite not being a slave owner himself.

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Compromise of 1850

A series of laws designed to resolve the dispute over slavery in the newly acquired territories after the Mexican-American War.

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California Gold Rush

A period of mass migration to California in the 1840s and 1850s in search of gold, which influenced the debate over slavery and the Compromise of 1850.

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Stephen Douglas

A Senator from Illinois who proposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed for popular sovereignty on the issue of slavery.

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Missouri Compromise

A law passed in 1820 that prohibited slavery in territories north of the 36°30’ parallel, except for Missouri.

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Buchanan's Victory

James Buchanan won the 1856 presidential election, but his victory wasn't a landslide despite the Democrats being the only national party. He won only 19 out of 31 states.

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Anti-Slavery Coalition

The possibility of the Republicans and Know-Nothings uniting to dominate politics created a threat to the pro-slavery forces.

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Fremont's Impact

John C. Frémont's performance in the 1856 election, better than expected, gave the anti-slavery movement new life.

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Buchanan's Weakness

Despite being a well-connected politician, Buchanan lacked a strong personality, leading to a loss of popularity during his presidency.

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Economic Downturn of 1857

The American economy experienced a sharp downturn, characterized by business failures and bank runs, leading to a decline in Buchanan's popularity.

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Dred Scott v. Sandford

The Supreme Court, dominated by Southern slaveholders, ruled that enslaved people were property with no rights. This decision made slavery legal anywhere and deepened divisions.

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Lincoln-Douglas Debates

A series of debates where Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, challenged Stephen Douglas for his Senate seat. These debates made Lincoln a national figure.

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John Brown's Raid

John Brown led a raid on Harpers Ferry, attempting to seize weapons and incite a slave rebellion. His actions were condemned but also seen as heroic by some.

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1860 Election: A Divided Field

The 1860 election was highly complex, with several candidates vying for the presidency. The Republicans nominated Lincoln while the Democrats split into two factions, with the Southern Democrats nominating Breckinridge and the Northern Democrats nominating Douglas.

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Lincoln's Narrow Victory

Lincoln won the election, but with a small plurality of the popular vote. He was not on the ballot in many Southern states and his victory symbolized a growing national division.

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South Carolina's Secession

South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union, less than a month after Lincoln's election.

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Buchanan's Weak Response

Buchanan, the outgoing president, declared secession illegal but took limited action to stop it, contributing to the escalating crisis.

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Fort Sumter and the Start of War

The firing on Fort Sumter by Confederate forces marked the official beginning of the Civil War.

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Confederate Government

The South formed a new government, the Confederate States of America, with Jefferson Davis as president. The Confederacy's constitution emphasized God and slavery.

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Oregon Trail

A historic westward migration route that led to the settling of the Oregon Country in the 1840s. Traveled by wagon trains, the journey lasted five to six months and many died from cholera.

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Ranchero System

A system in California after Mexican independence where Hispanic settlers received vast land grants, leading to a large-scale ranching economy.

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John Sutter

A Swiss-German immigrant in California who owned a Mexican land grant at the junction of the Sacramento and American Rivers. His land became a site of early American settlement and a crucial player in the gold rush.

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Donner Party

American pioneers who attempted to travel to California in 1846, but became stranded in the Sierra Nevada Mountains during a harsh winter.

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Texas Annexation

The process of Texas becoming part of the United States. It was controversial due to the debate over slavery and the potential for war with Mexico.

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American Empresarios

American settlers who brought American settlers into Texas under Mexican rule. They had to convert to Catholicism and swear allegiance to Mexico.

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The Alamo

A famous mission in Texas that was defended fiercely by Texan soldiers against a much larger Mexican army. It became a symbol of Texan bravery and resistance.

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Sam Houston

A military leader instrumental in the Texas Revolution who led the Texan forces to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto. He later became the first President of the Republic of Texas.

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Battle of San Jacinto

A decisive battle in the Texas Revolution in which the Texan forces defeated the Mexican army, led by General Santa Anna. This victory secured the independence of Texas.

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James K. Polk

He served as the 11th president of the United States. He was elected because of his platform of expansionism, including annexation of Texas and settling the Oregon boundary. He guided the nation through the Mexican-American War.

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1844 Election

The Presidential election where James K. Polk became president. His platform of expansionism, including Texas annexation, helped him win. The Texas issue also had a significant impact on the nominees and policies of both parties.

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Oregon Boundary Dispute

A disagreement between the United States and Great Britain over the ownership of land in the Pacific Northwest, specifically the Oregon Territory. The dispute was later resolved through negotiation, but almost led to war.

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Buchanan-Pakenham Treaty

A treaty signed in 1846 between the United States and Great Britain that resolved the Oregon Boundary Dispute. The treaty established the 49th parallel as the border between the two nations.

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Walker Tariff of 1846

A piece of legislation that lowered tariffs, promoting free trade and benefiting American consumers.

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Independent Treasury Act

A law that established a system of government-owned and operated banks, separate from private banking institutions. It aimed to limit the banks' influence on the federal government.

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Study Notes

Southern Political Influence and the 3/5 Clause

  • Southern politicians heavily influenced the persistence of slavery
  • The 3/5 compromise granted the South disproportionate representation in Congress
  • However, due to greater population growth in the North and Midwest, Southern influence decreased even with the 3/5 clause

Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion

  • "Manifest Destiny" (1845) promoted US expansion from Atlantic to Pacific
  • Americans began settling Westward, often illegally, in the 1840s, regardless of land ownership
  • California Gold Rush (1848) significantly increased westward migration

Plains Indians and Expansion

  • The text mentions Plains Indians and Mexican territory as barriers to American expansion.
  • The Comanche are specifically not mentioned
  • Settlement patterns were altered in favor of the US, likely due to their considerable power.

Oregon Trail and Settlement

  • American settlement began along the Oregon Trail (1841-1843)
  • The journey was arduous and dangerous, resulting in numerous deaths from illnesses like cholera
  • By 1845 over 5,000 American settlers were in Oregon

California Under Spanish and Mexican Rule

  • Spanish subdued natives primarily through disease and the mission system
  • Mexico took control in 1824 and implemented the Ranchero system
  • This system often led to forced labor and high mortality rates among natives

John Sutter and American Settlement in California

  • John Sutter, a German-Swiss man, encouraged American settlement in California.
  • Sutter purchased Mexican land and attracted many American settlers
  • The Mexican governor warned about the increasing American influence in California

The Donner Party

  • The Donner Party is not directly detailed in the text, but it is mentioned as a tragic event
  • The history of the Donner Party may be inferred

Texas Annexation and the 1844 Election

  • Texas initially declared independence (and elected Sam Houston president) after a war with Mexico.
  • The US twice offered to buy Texas, but there was internal political struggle.
  • The fear of a British protectorate in the South influenced legislators to support annexation
  • The issue impacted the 1844 election, with Polk (expansionist) a popular candidate

Polk's Goals and Policies

  • Polk served one term and had a wide-ranging agenda:
    • Lowered tariffs with the Walker Tariff
    • Re-instated the Independent Treasury Act
    • Vetoed Whig infrastructure bills
    • Negotiated Oregon treaty (49th parallel)

Mexican-American War

  • Started after Mexican attack on US troops near the Rio Grande
  • Polk sought to acquire California and New Mexico
  • The war was opposed in the North
  • Four main theaters: Southern Texas, Central Mexico, New Mexico, and California,
  • Taylor (early successes), Scott (military brilliance), played crucial roles
  • Fremont's actions in California (Bear Flag Republic) are noted

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

  • The US acquired California and New Mexico
  • Mexico ceded half its territory, resulting in numerous Mexican Americans being dispossessed of their land.
  • The Gadsden Purchase (1853) completed the annexation of Mexican land

Mexican War Legacy

  • The war marked a major triumph for the US, but sparked controversy
  • Economically successful due to the production needs for war purposes and opening up more opportunities in the new territories
  • There was a growing sentiment that the war was an unjust land grab

Wilmot Proviso and Territorial Slavery

  • The Wilmot Proviso proposed banning slavery in territories acquired from Mexico
  • The proviso failed in the Senate and became a point of ongoing debate
  • Various compromises were proposed (Missouri Compromise line extension, popular sovereignty)

Free Soil Party and Election of 1848

  • The Free Soil Party opposed slavery expansion and attracted Northern Democrats and Whigs
  • The party nominated Martin Van Buren in the 1848 election.
  • The split of voters likely strengthened the Whigs and harmed Democrats.

California Gold Rush

  • The gold rush in California (1849) led to rapid population growth. The gold rush led to the dispossession of Native populations and Californios.
  • California produced a large share of the world's gold output

Compromise of 1850

  • California was rapidly gaining population and was becoming eligible for statehood.
  • The Compromise of 1850 included: California's admission as a free state, resolved Texas boundary/debt issues, and organized Utah and New Mexico territories with no decision about slavery
  • The Fugitive Slave Act was a key, and controversial, aspect of the Compromise. This act forced Northerners to help capture runaways.

Fugitive Slave Act Reaction

  • The Fugitive Slave Act intensely divided public opinion in the North.
  • The Act made Northerners actively involved in the slave system.
  • Northern resistance to the Act sometimes resulted in violence.

Uncle Tom's Cabin and Abolitionism

  • Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) heightened public awareness of slavery and the abolitionist cause

Election of 1852 and Fillmore

  • President Fillmore was unpopular, and the Whigs declined.
  • Franklin Pierce became president.
  • The Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) allowed each territory to decide the slavery issue by popular sovereignty.
  • This act further divided the nation and contributed significantly to increased tensions.
  • The Act led to the demise of the Whig Party.

Republican Party Emergence

  • The Republican party emerged from the combination of anti-slavery Whigs, Northern Democrats, and Free-Soilers.

Bleeding Kansas

  • Pro-slavery and abolitionist forces clashed violently in Kansas leading to numerous death
  • John Brown played a role in the violence.

Election of 1856

  • Republicans nominated John C. Frémont
  • Democrats nominated James Buchanan (won).
  • Buchanan's presidency was marked by the economic downturn, the Dred Scott Decision, and Kansas issues.

Panic of 1857

  • The US economy experienced a downturn, hurting Buchanan's popularity.

Dred Scott v. Sandford

  • The Supreme Court ruled that someone wasn't a human being but property and therefore had no rights
  • This decision further intensified sectional tensions and intensified the division in the country.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates

  • Lincoln and Douglas debated slavery in the 1858 Illinois senatorial race
  • Lincoln gained national prominence

John Brown's Raid

  • John Brown led a raid on Harper's Ferry (1859) in an attempt to incite a slave rebellion.
  • Brown's actions heightened tensions and were viewed either heroically or as insane extremism.

Election of 1860

  • Lincoln won the presidency
  • Sectional divisions were evident, including the secession of Southern states

Secession and the Start of the Civil War

  • South Carolina seceded from the Union in December 1860
  • Other Southern states followed.
  • The Confederacy was formed with Jefferson Davis as president.
  • Fort Sumter was fired on, marking the beginning of the Civil War.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key events and themes leading up to the American Civil War and the concept of manifest destiny. This quiz covers significant moments such as the attack on Fort Sumter, California's gold discovery, and the role of Southern politicians in the persistence of slavery. See how well you understand this pivotal time in U.S. history.

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