Compromise of 1850 and Sectionalism

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What principle did the Kansas-Nebraska Act use to determine the status of slavery in the territories?

  • Popular sovereignty (correct)
  • State rights
  • Judicial decision
  • Federal mandate

What was one of the major consequences of the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

  • The establishment of the Underground Railroad
  • The immediate abolition of slavery in Kansas
  • Increased tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions (correct)
  • The strengthening of the Missouri Compromise

Based on prior legal decisions regarding slavery, what prediction can be made about the ruling in Dred Scott's case?

  • The Court will rule in favor of slaveholders. (correct)
  • The Court will reject the concept of popular sovereignty.
  • The Court will focus on the location of his residence.
  • The Court will rule in favor of Dred Scott.

What impact did the Missouri Compromise have on the Dred Scott case?

<p>It banned slavery in the areas where Scott was previously taken. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did Frederick Douglass use to advocate for the abolition of slavery?

<p>Using emotional appeals and powerful speeches (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant effect of the Fugitive Slave Act on Northern citizens?

<p>It required Northern citizens to aid in returning escaped slaves. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a provision of the Missouri Compromise?

<p>Slavery was permitted in all of the Louisiana Purchase territory. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Henry Clay contribute to the balance between free and slave states?

<p>Through his negotiations for the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What legislative action did the Compromise of 1850 allow for territories like Utah and New Mexico?

<p>It permitted slavery to be determined by popular sovereignty. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Fugitive Slave Law on the Underground Railroad?

<p>It increased activity as abolitionists worked harder to help escaped slaves. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' on the abolitionist movement?

<p>It helped to elevate the moral argument against slavery. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Harriet Beecher Stowe strengthen her argument against slavery?

<p>By sharing emotional stories that highlighted the brutal conditions of enslaved individuals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motivated John Brown's actions in the abolitionist movement?

<p>His childhood experience of witnessing a slave being beaten. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of John Brown's raid at Harpers Ferry?

<p>He was captured and executed, becoming a martyr for the abolitionist cause. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary reason did Southern states give for their secession?

<p>Need to maintain their economy reliant on slavery. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Fugitive Slave Act

The Compromise of 1850, proposed by Henry Clay, included this law that required free states to return escaped slaves to their owners, even if they were in free states. This fueled tensions between the North and South, contributing to the Civil War.

Missouri Compromise

This agreement, made in 1820, admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance between free and slave states. It also prohibited slavery in the Louisiana Purchase territory north of the 36°30′ parallel, except for Missouri.

Popular Sovereignty

This concept allowed people living in a region to vote on whether or not to allow slavery. Utah and New Mexico were included in this provision of the Compromise of 1850.

Henry Clay

Henry Clay, known for his role in the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850, was a representative from Kentucky. He was a slave owner but opposed the expansion of slavery. He tried to maintain balance between free and slave states.

Signup and view all the flashcards

John C. Calhoun

John C. Calhoun, from South Carolina, strongly supported states' rights and slavery. He advocated for the southern perspective during the period leading to the Civil War.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What did the Kansas-Nebraska Act decide?

The Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed settlers in these territories to decide whether or not to allow slavery through popular sovereignty: the right of residents to decide an issue through voting.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is popular sovereignty?

It was the idea that settlers in a territory should have the right to vote on whether or not to allow slavery in their region, even against the views of the national government.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What was the effect of the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

The Kansas-Nebraska Act led to violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers in the Kansas territory, known as the Bleeding Kansas conflicts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How did abolitionists convince Americans to end slavery?

It was a strong argument for abolishing slavery, using emotional appeals to emphasize the moral wrongness of slavery.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How was Frederick Douglass a key figure in the abolitionist movement?

Frederick Douglass was a powerful writer and speaker who advocated for the abolition of slavery through his publications, including the North Star newspaper, and by collaborating with other abolitionists.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is "Uncle Tom's Cabin"?

A novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe that depicts the harsh realities of slavery and its impact on enslaved people, particularly Uncle Tom, a kind and devout man. It aimed to evoke empathy for enslaved people and moral outrage against slavery.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Who was John Brown?

John Brown, a fervent abolitionist, believed in fighting against slavery through direct action. He participated in the violent conflicts in "Bleeding Kansas" and led a raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in an attempt to incite a slave rebellion. His actions, though unsuccessful, made him a martyr for the abolitionist cause.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why did the Southern states secede?

The Southern states seceded from the Union because they wanted to preserve the institution of slavery, which was vital to their economy and way of life. They feared that the growing anti-slavery sentiment in the North would threaten their way of life.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What made Harriet Beecher Stowe's argument against slavery so powerful?

Harriet Beecher Stowe's emotional portrayal of slavery in "Uncle Tom's Cabin" strongly argued against it. She described the suffering and cruelty endured by enslaved people, appealing to readers' moral senses and advocating for the abolition of slavery.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What was "Bleeding Kansas"?

"Bleeding Kansas" refers to the period of violent conflicts in Kansas between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces that erupted after the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed for popular sovereignty to decide the issue of slavery in the territories.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Compromise of 1850

  • Allowed California to enter the Union as a free state
  • Included the Fugitive Slave Act, requiring the return of escaped slaves
  • Temporarily eased tensions but contributed to the Civil War debate

Southern and Northern States

  • Southern states were slave states (Confederate)
  • Northern states were free states (Union)
  • Utah and New Mexico allowed slavery through popular sovereignty (voter decision)

Fugitive Slave Law

  • Increased tensions between North and South

  • Required citizens in free states to assist in capturing escaped slaves

  • Favored slave owners

  • Led to increased activity on the Underground Railroad

  • Disturbed Northerners and abolitionists by forcing them to aid in the return of escaped slaves

  • Court officials' compensation varied based on the judge's decision ($10 vs $5)

  • Fined those who hindered the arrest of fugitive slaves (over $1,000 and 6 month jail time)

Missouri Compromise

  • Balanced slave and free states (Missouri as slave, Maine as free)
  • Prohibited slavery in Louisiana Purchase territory north of the 36°30' parallel (except Missouri)
  • Increased tensions which made conflicts more likely
  • Conflicts in views divided both sides

Kansas-Nebraska Act

  • Allowed Kansas and Nebraska territories to decide on slavery (popular sovereignty)
  • Strengthened democratic principles by allowing settlers to vote
  • Caused violent conflicts (Bleeding Kansas)
  • Intensified the debate over slavery

Dred Scott

  • Supreme Court decision that likely ruled against Dred Scott's freedom
  • Based on past legal handling of slavery, the court will likely rule that Dred Scott remains a slave, as they had traditionally protected slaveholders rights

Abolition Movement

  • Frederick Douglass was a powerful speaker and writer who fought for abolition
  • Published autobiographies and an abolitionist newspaper (The North Star)
  • Collaborated with other abolitionists and met political leaders
  • Abolitionists were disliked by Northerners because they increased tensions with the South

John Brown at Harper's Ferry

  • John Brown opposed slavery
  • Led a retaliatory raid, killing five people in Lawrence, Kansas
  • Attempted a rebellion at Harper's Ferry
  • Expected uprising did not occur, he was captured and executed, becoming a martyr for the abolitionist cause

1864 Election

  • Showcased the strength and resilience of the U.S.'s democratic system
  • Held during the Civil War
  • Candidates were Abraham Lincoln and George McClellan

Emancipation Proclamation

  • Issued in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln
  • Freed slaves in Confederate territories
  • Civil War shifted into a fight against slavery

Gettysburg Address

  • Lincoln's speech in 1863 emphasizing equality, national unity, and sacrifices for freedom
  • Reminded Americans of founding ideals and inspired them to fight for a united nation
  • Emphasized the sacrifices of soldiers and the importance of freedom for all

Union Generals: Sherman and Grant

  • Grant was known for calm, decisive leadership
  • Sherman was known for bold and innovative tactics

Civil War End

  • The Civil War ended in 1865
  • The U.S faced racial tensions, a destroyed Southern economy and the need to unify the nation

13th Amendment

  • Removed slavery in 1865
  • Removed the issue of slavery

Problems Solved/Caused by the Civil War

  • Solved: Abolishment of slavery, preservation of the Union, strengthened federal government and civil rights
  • Caused: Racial inequality and discrimination, economic and social divisions between North & South, continued political/social tensions, the legacy of slavery

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Ultimate History Notes PDF

More Like This

Fugitive Slave Act of 1850
25 questions

Fugitive Slave Act of 1850

FlawlessSwan avatar
FlawlessSwan
Compromise of 1850 Quiz
11 questions

Compromise of 1850 Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

TolerableApostrophe4179 avatar
TolerableApostrophe4179
Compromise of 1850 and Slavery
15 questions

Compromise of 1850 and Slavery

IntelligentEnlightenment6214 avatar
IntelligentEnlightenment6214
Compromise of 1850 and Slavery Policies
15 questions

Compromise of 1850 and Slavery Policies

IntelligentEnlightenment6214 avatar
IntelligentEnlightenment6214
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser