Give Me Liberty Ch. 13 Review Questions

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Questions and Answers

What were the major factors contributing to U.S. territorial expansion in the 1840s?

Economic ties with California due to the gold discovery, the idea of absorbing Texas linked to slavery, and territorial disputes settled by James K. Polk.

Why did the expansion of slavery become the most divisive political issue in the 1840s and 1850s?

Division between the North and South, sectionalism, and differing political ideologies.

What combination of issues and events fueled the creation of the Republican Party in the 1850s?

Opposition to slavery and land distribution issues.

What enabled Lincoln to emerge as president from the divisive party politics of the 1850s?

His ability to combine abolitionist fervor with respect for the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What were the final steps on the road to secession? (Select all that apply)

Rejection of Crittendon Compromise Signup and view all the answers

How do Lincoln and Douglas differ on what rights black Americans are entitled to enjoy?

Lincoln believed in ending slavery and granting rights, while Douglas denied equality and supported maintaining slavery. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Lincoln believe the nation cannot exist forever half slave and half free, whereas Douglas believes it can?

Lincoln argues for restriction of slavery, while Douglas believes in its continuation and local self-government. Signup and view all the answers

How does each of the speakers balance the right of each state to manage its own affairs against the right of every person to be free?

Lincoln advocates for federal intervention to ensure freedom for all, while Douglas supports state rights regarding slavery. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the justifications for the doctrine of manifest destiny, including material and idealistic motivations.

Manifest Destiny justified westward expansion as divinely ordained, driven by economic opportunities like gold and a better life. Signup and view all the answers

Why did many Americans criticize the Mexican War? How did they see expansion as a threat to American liberties?

Criticism stemmed from perceived aggression against Mexico and concerns over slavery's expansion threatening freedom. Signup and view all the answers

How did the concept of 'race' develop by the mid-nineteenth century, and how did it enter into the manifest destiny debate?

Race became defined by color, origin, and class; non-white groups were marginalized in the context of westward expansion. Signup and view all the answers

How did western expansion affect the sectional tensions between the North and South?

Expansion intensified tensions over slavery, leading to increased conflict and compromises that ultimately failed. Signup and view all the answers

How did the market revolution contribute to the rise of the Republican Party?

Economic growth in the North united various groups, enabling political unification in the Republican Party. Signup and view all the answers

What three questions did the Supreme Court address in the Dred Scott case? Assess the court's arguments.

<ol> <li>Could slaves sue in court? 2. Could Congress prohibit slavery in a territory? 3. Did residence in a free state make a slave free?</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'Slave Power,' and why did many northerners feel threatened by it?

The 'Slave Power' refers to Southern political leaders supporting slavery; Northerners feared it would undermine freedoms. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the Lincoln-Douglas debates, how did the two differ on the expansion of slavery, equal rights, and the role of the national government?

Lincoln opposed slavery's expansion, promoting abolition, while Douglas advocated for popular sovereignty to allow states’ decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Stephen Douglas, among others, believe that 'popular sovereignty' could resolve sectional divisions of the 1850s? Why did the idea not work out?

Douglas believed it would respect states' rights, but it failed due to polarized views and moral opposition to slavery. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how sectional voting patterns in the 1860 presidential election allowed southern 'fire-eaters' to justify secession.

Lincoln's election viewed by southerners as a threat to their interests, justified their secession amidst fears of losing power. Signup and view all the answers

What do the California gold rush and the opening of Japan reveal about the United States' involvement in a global economic system?

The gold rush and trade connections indicate the emergence of the U.S. in a global economy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

U.S. Territorial Expansion in the 1840s

Economic ties to California surged due to the gold discovery.
John C. Calhoun's letter linked Texas absorption to slavery expansion.
Tension arose between Republicans (anti-slavery) and Democrats (pro-expansion).
James K. Polk facilitated territorial resolution with Britain over Oregon.

Slavery as a Divisive Issue

Non-abolitionists favored slavery due to economic benefits.
Parties were divided along sectional lines: North vs. South.
Lifestyle differences between regions intensified conflicts.

Formation of the Republican Party

The Republican Party arose partly due to anti-slavery Whigs in the North.
Desire to keep slavery out of new territories drove political action.
Economic factors, including land distribution and tariffs, contributed to the party's formation.

Lincoln's Rise Amidst Political Divisions

Abraham Lincoln challenged Stephen Douglas during Illinois Senate race.
Lincoln's speeches merged abolitionist moral fervor with constitutional respect.
Douglas emphasized local self-governance, arguing popular sovereignty was essential.

Steps to Secession

Significant events included the Harpers Ferry raid and Lincoln's election.
Southern states believed their rights were unacknowledged.
Incumbent President Buchanan's inaction allowed secession momentum to grow.

Different Perspectives on Black Americans' Rights

Lincoln advocated for abolition, viewing slavery as immoral.
Douglas believed ending slavery would incite war and considered blacks unequal.

Lincoln vs. Douglas on Nation's Future

Douglas saw a possibility for coexistence of free and slave states.
Lincoln argued against expansion, maintaining it limited opportunity for whites.

Balancing State Rights and Individual Freedom

Lincoln aimed for federal extension of rights to all, contrasting with Douglas's state sovereignty.
Douglas's stance allowed states autonomy over slavery, while Lincoln sought total abolition.

Manifest Destiny Justifications

Manifest Destiny held a belief that expansion was divinely ordained.
Subsequent Indian removals and events like the Trail of Tears emphasized territorial gain.
Gold discovery lured many westward, seeking prosperity.

Criticisms of the Mexican War

The war was seen as aggressive, waged by a stronger country on a weaker one.
Disputed origins of the conflict led to skepticism about justifications for war.
The aftermath ignited debate over slavery's extension into new territories.

Development of Race Concept by Mid-19th Century

Race encompassed multiple factors, influencing citizenship and rights.
Non-white populations faced civil rights denials, fostering a belief in white supremacy in expansion policies.

Impact of Western Expansion on Sectional Tensions

Manifest Destiny fueled expansion, highlighting slavery debate in new territories.
Compromises failed to resolve North-South disputes leading to Civil War.

Market Revolution's Role in Republican Party Rise

Northern economic growth outpaced the South due to railroads, fostering unity.
Economic interests synchronized political alignment among Northeastern and Northwestern groups.

Dred Scott Case Rulings

Supreme Court denied slaves' rights to sue, affirmed Congress's inability to prohibit slavery in territories.
Resided in free states did not guarantee freedom, reinforcing slavery's legal status.

The Threat of "Slave Power"

"Slave Power" referred to Southern leaders sustaining political slavery support.
Northerners feared institutionalized expansion of slavery threatening jobs and freedoms.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate Contrasts

Lincoln’s abolitionist stance opposed Douglas's support for popular sovereignty.
Lincoln believed in complete abolition versus Douglas's preference for choice in states.

Stephen Douglas on Popular Sovereignty

Douglas argued it could alleviate sectional tensions but failed due to entrenched beliefs.
North and some Southern voices increasingly pushed for abolition, complexifying consensus.

Election of 1860 and Southern Secession

Lincoln's election represented a shift to Republican power, alarming Southerners.
Fearing the loss of political influence, Southern leaders sought independence from the Union.

Global Economic System Reflected in California Gold Rush

Gold rush indicated U.S. integration into global economy, with wealth distributed internationally.
Opening of Japan to trade marked a significant diplomatic and commercial expansion.

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Description

Test your understanding of Chapter 13 of 'Give Me Liberty' titled 'A House Divided'. This quiz covers the major factors contributing to U.S. territorial expansion in the 1840s, including economic ties, the California gold rush, and the implications for slavery.