American History: Slavery & Abolitionism

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Questions and Answers

What were the main characteristics of Southern states in the mid-1800s?

Society was not structured on the ownership of slaves, the economy was mostly agriculture with many major cities and factories worked by paid laborers, and religion was a large factor of the everyday lives of the Southern States (mainly Christianity).
Society was heavily structured on the ownership of slaves, the economy was mostly agriculture with many major cities and factories worked by slaves, and religion was not a large factor of the everyday lives of the Southern States.
Society was heavily structured on the ownership of slaves, the economy was mostly industrial with many major cities and factories worked by slaves, and religion was a large factor of the everyday lives of the Southern States (mainly Christianity).
Society was heavily structured on the ownership of slaves, the economy was mostly agriculture with few major cities and plantations worked by slaves, and religion was a large factor of the everyday lives of the Southern States (mainly Christianity). (correct)

What was the difference between Moderate and Radical abolitionists?

Moderate abolitionists advocated for a gradual transition out of slavery, while Radical abolitionists, like Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison, pushed for immediate abolition.

What was the immediate impact of Lincoln's election?

A new compromise was reached to appease the Southern states and prevent secession.
The Northern states seceded from the Union and formed the Union States of America.
The Southern states ratified the Constitution and abolished slavery.
Seven Southern states seceded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America. (correct)

What happened at Harper's Ferry?

John Brown, a fervent abolitionist, attempted to start a slave rebellion by raiding the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. He was captured and later hanged. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Compromise of 1850 address?

The Compromise of 1850 addressed the status of slavery in the territories acquired after the Mexican-American War. Signup and view all the answers

Popular Sovereignty meant that people living in a territory could decide if they would allow slavery.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of the abolitionist movement?

While the abolitionist movement had widespread support in the North, a significant percentage of the Northern population held opposing views about slavery. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the Underground Railroad?

A network of secret routes and safe houses used by escaping slaves to reach freedom in the North or Canada. Signup and view all the answers

What was decided in the Missouri Compromise?

The Missouri Compromise of 1820 aimed to balance the political power between slave and free states. It admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while also prohibiting slavery in the Louisiana Purchase territories north of the 36°30' parallel. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Manifest Destiny'?

It was the belief that the United States was destined by God to expand its territory across the entire North American continent. Signup and view all the answers

What happened during the Texas Annexation?

In 1844, James K. Polk won the presidential election with a campaign centered around annexing Texas, which reignited negotiations with Mexico to claim the territory. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the 'Fire Eaters'?

They were a group of Southerners who advocated for secession from the Union, particularly in the face of Northern opposition to slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Free Soilers?

The Free Soilers were individuals opposed to the expansion of slavery into the Western territories, arguing for the principle of popular sovereignty to decide the issue. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the 'Border Ruffians'?

These were pro-slavery groups who migrated from Missouri into Kansas, aiming to tip the balance in favor of slavery. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Quakers?

The Quakers were among the earliest groups to oppose slavery. They were pacifists who believed in peace and social justice. Signup and view all the answers

How did the South react to the abolitionist movement?

Southerners reacted violently and condemned it, justifying slavery as a necessary evil or even a positive good. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements accurately describe an aspect of slavery?

Slave auctions were common, often leading to the separation of families, as depicted in the novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin.' (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Oregon in the context of Manifest Destiny?

Oregon was a prime target for westward expansion due to its fertile farmland, leading to a surge of settlers. The Oregon Trail was a major route for westward migration, and the Oregon Treaty resolved boundary disputes with Britain. Signup and view all the answers

What were the opposing views on expansion held by Northern Whigs and Southern Democrats?

Northern Whigs generally opposed Southern expansion and feared the extension of slavery into new territories. Southern Democrats often opposed Northern expansion, fearing a loss of power and influence. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main causes of conflict between Mexico and the United States?

Mexico was determined to retain control of California, while the U.S. sought to acquire it. Texas also generated a boundary dispute with Mexico. President Polk's decision to send troops into disputed territory ultimately ignited the Mexican-American War. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What did the Kansas-Nebraska Act establish?

The Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed popular sovereignty to decide the issue of slavery in the territories, essentially repealing the Missouri Compromise. Signup and view all the answers

What arguments were made in favor of slavery?

All of the above were arguments made in favor of slavery. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was 'Bleeding Kansas'?

Bleeding Kansas was a period of violence and conflict in Kansas between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces, culminating in a mini-civil war. John Brown, a radical abolitionist, led a group of his sons in an attack on pro-slavery forces at Pottawatomie Creek, resulting in the deaths of his sons and later Brown himself. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the Caning of Senator Sumner?

Senator Charles Sumner from Massachusetts delivered a scathing speech criticizing pro-slavery senators, particularly Preston Brooks from South Carolina. Enraged by the insult, Brooks beat Sumner on the Senate floor with a cane until he was near death. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in the Dred Scott Decision?

Dred Scott, a slave who had been taken by his master to Illinois, a free state, sued for his freedom. The Supreme Court ruled against Scott, declaring that slaves were property and could not sue in federal court. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the 1860 election?

Abraham Lincoln, the Republican candidate, won the election, triggering the secession of seven Southern states. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Give three examples of slave rebellions.

The Stono Rebellion (1739), Denmark Vesey's Conspiracy (1822), and Nat Turner's Rebellion (1831). Signup and view all the answers

How was the Republican Party formed?

The Republican Party was officially formed in 1854 as a direct response to the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed for popular sovereignty to decide the fate of slavery in new territories. Signup and view all the answers

Who was William Lloyd Garrison?

William Lloyd Garrison was a prominent and radical abolitionist who was a key figure in the movement. He published 'The Liberator,' a powerful anti-slavery newspaper, and advocated for immediate, uncompensated emancipation. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Stephen Douglas?

Stephen Douglas was a senator from Illinois who played a crucial role in the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, proposing the use of popular sovereignty to determine the status of slavery in new territories. His goal was to facilitate the construction of a transcontinental railroad route through the country, but the act had profound consequences in deepening the divide between North and South. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Crittenden Proposal?

It was a proposed constitutional amendment to protect slavery in existing states and extend the Missouri Compromise line to the Pacific Ocean. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Black Codes?

The Black Codes were laws passed by Southern states in the aftermath of the Civil War to restrict the rights and freedoms of African Americans, even after emancipation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'Never Never' Amendment?

It was a proposed amendment to the Constitution that would permanently protect slavery and prevent any future efforts to abolish it. It was ultimately rejected by the South. Signup and view all the answers

What were Personal Liberty Laws?

These were laws passed by Northern states to protect fugitive slaves and challenge the Fugitive Slave Law, which required the return of escaped slaves to their owners. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Fugitive Slave Law mandate?

It required Northern states to forcibly return escaped slaves to their owners, even if they had fled to free states. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Know-Nothing party?

The Know-Nothing party was a nativist political party that arose in the 1850s, focused on opposing immigration, particularly from Catholic countries. It was one of the largest nativist movements in the United States. Signup and view all the answers

What did the slogan '54-40 or fight!' refer to?

It was a slogan that referred to the boundary dispute between the United States and Great Britain over the Oregon Territory, advocating for the expansion of U.S. territory to the 54°40' parallel, which would have included the entire Oregon territory, or war. Signup and view all the answers

Who was John Quincy Adams?

John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, was a prominent voice in Congress against slavery. He led the fight against the expansion of slavery and played a role in shaping the debate over slavery during his time in Congress. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' have?

The novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' by Harriet Beecher Stowe brought the plight of slave families being separated at auctions to a wider audience, highlighting the brutality and inhumanity of the slave system. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Characteristics of Southern States

Society structured on slave ownership; agriculture economy; religion (mainly Christianity) important.

Moderate vs. Radical abolition

Moderates favor gradual change, radicals want immediate end to slavery.