American History: Southern States & Abolitionism

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Questions and Answers

What were the main characteristics of Southern states in the mid-1800s? (Select all that apply.)

There were many large cities.
Society was based on the ownership of slaves. (correct)
Religion played a significant role in daily life. (correct)
The majority of the population was urban.
The majority of the population was rural. (correct)
The economy relied heavily on agriculture. (correct)

What is the difference between moderate and radical abolitionists? (Select all that apply.)

Moderate abolitionists believed that slavery was morally wrong.
Radical abolitionists called for an immediate end to slavery. (correct)
Radical abolitionists believed that slavery was a necessary evil.
Moderate abolitionists advocated for a gradual transition out of slavery. (correct)
Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison were examples of moderate abolitionists.
Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison were examples of radical abolitionists. (correct)

What were the immediate consequences of Lincoln's election as president?

The secession of seven Southern states and the formation of the Confederate States of America.

What did John Brown attempt to do at Harper's Ferry?

John Brown led a raid on a federal arsenal in Virginia, hoping to spark a slave revolt. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of the Compromise of 1850?

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

What is the concept of Popular Sovereignty?

Popular Sovereignty allowed residents of territories to vote on whether or not to allow slavery within their state. Signup and view all the answers

The abolition movement was fully supported by all people in the North.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the Underground Railroad?

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved people to escape to freedom in the North or Canada. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the Missouri Compromise.

The Missouri Compromise of 1820 aimed to maintain a balance between free and slave states by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. Signup and view all the answers

What was Manifest Destiny?

Manifest Destiny was the belief that it was the U.S.'s God-given right to expand westward across the North American continent. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the events leading to the Texas Annexation.

After James K. Polk's victory in the 1844 election, which centered on the annexation of Texas, negotiations with Mexico resumed, ultimately leading to the annexation of Texas into the United States. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Fire Eaters?

The Fire Eaters were a group of Southern politicians and activists who fiercely advocated for secession from the Union. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main beliefs of the Free Soilers?

The Free Soilers opposed the expansion of slavery into Western territories and supported the principle of Popular Sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Border Ruffians?

Border Ruffians were pro-slavery forces from Missouri who illegally flooded into Kansas in an attempt to influence the territory's decision on slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the central beliefs of the Quakers?

The Quakers were early opponents of slavery, advocating for peace and actively working against war. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the common reactions of Southerners to the abolition movement? (Select all that apply.)

Southerners believed slavery was a necessary evil. (A), Southerners often resorted to violence against abolitionists. (B), Southerners viewed slavery as a positive good. (D), Southerners rejected the moral arguments against slavery. (F) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following were aspects of slavery? (Select all that apply.)

Slave families were often separated during auctions. (B), Social, cultural, and economic conditions in the South made it illegal for slaves to leave. (C), Slaves were prohibited from learning to read or write. (D), Slave auctions were a common occurrence. (F), The life of a slave was completely controlled by their master. (H) Signup and view all the answers

Describe the significance of Oregon in the context of Manifest Destiny.

Oregon was a major part of Manifest Destiny, attracting settlers looking for fertile farmland, which led to the Oregon Trail and the Oregon Treaty, settling boundary disputes with Britain. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main difference in the expansionist ideas between Northern Whigs and Southern Democrats? (Select all that apply.)

Southern Democrats supported the expansion of slavery into new territories. (B), Northern Whigs opposed any expansion of slavery into new territories. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What were the key conflicts between Mexico and the United States leading to the Mexican-American War? (Select all that apply.)

A territorial dispute existed between Texas and Mexico over the definition of the Texas border. (A), James K. Polk ordered US troops into disputed territory, escalating tensions. (D), The United States desired control of California, which Mexico was unwilling to cede. (E) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

The Kansas-Nebraska Act introduced the concept of Popular Sovereignty, allowing residents to decide whether to allow slavery, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise and escalating tensions over slavery’s expansion. Signup and view all the answers

What arguments were often made in favor of slavery? (Select all that apply.)

Slavery was a necessary component of the Southern economy. (B), Slaves were considered morally inferior. (C), Slavery was a natural and inevitable part of the human condition. (F), Slaves were not considered full human beings. (G), Slavery was a key part of the economic and social fabric of Southern society. (H), Slaves were considered as members of a family. (I), Slavery was a necessary evil. (J), Slavery was justified by the Bible. (L), Slaves were better off as slaves than as wage laborers. (O) Signup and view all the answers

What was 'Bleeding Kansas'?

Bleeding Kansas was a period of violent conflict in the Kansas territory between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces who clashed over the issue of slavery's expansion. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the incident of the Caning of Senator Sumner.

Senator Charles Sumner, a fierce anti-slavery advocate, gave a fiery speech criticizing slavery and its supporters. In response, Representative Preston Brooks, a South Carolina Congressman, brutally beat Sumner with a cane in the Senate chamber, leaving him severely injured. Signup and view all the answers

What was the central issue in the Dred Scott Decision?

The Dred Scott Decision ruled that enslaved people were not citizens and therefore had no standing to sue in court. It also declared that Congress had no power to prohibit slavery in the territories. Signup and view all the answers

What were the consequences of Lincoln's election in 1860? (Select all that apply.)

The Confederate States of America was formed. (B), Southern states began to secede from the Union. (D), Lincoln's election triggered a political and social revolution in the South. (F), The outcome of the election proved that slavery was a divisive issue. (I) Signup and view all the answers

What were some examples of slave rebellions? (Select all that apply.)

The Stono Rebellion of 1739. (B), Nat Turner's rebellion of 1831. (D), The Denmark Vesey conspiracy of 1822. (E) Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for the formation of the Republican Party?

The Republican Party was officially formed in response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the expansion of slavery. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of William Lloyd Garrison in the abolition movement.

William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist who published the influential newspaper 'The Liberator' and advocated for immediate and uncompensated emancipation. Signup and view all the answers

What was Stephen Douglas's role in the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

Stephen Douglas, a senator from Illinois, was the main proponent of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. He sought to facilitate the construction of a transcontinental railroad through those territories while also promoting the controversial concept of Popular Sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Southern States Characteristics

Society structured on slave ownership; agriculture-based economy.

Moderate vs. Radical abolition

Moderate sought gradual abolition; Radicals like Douglass wanted immediate end.