U.S. History Chapter 15: 1850 Society and Politics

A vastly different nation than in 1800, experiencing dramatic population growth, a market revolution, and westward expansion, leading to increased political and social divisions, particularly surrounding slavery and democracy.

An economic transformation in the US (1800-1850) characterized by increased wealth, industrialization, and the development of infrastructure. It led to significant regional differences in the North and South, with the South relying more on enslaved labor and the North on free labor.

The continental expansion of the US, driven by the Louisiana Purchase, the War of 1812, Indian Removal, and the Mexican War. This expansion prompted debates over westward expansion of slavery.

The US saw an expansion of democracy with universal white male suffrage, the popular election of presidents, and the development of modern political parties.

The market revolution's increasing dependence of the South on enslaved labor, growing steadily more tightly knit with the institution of slavery.

Emerged in the 1830s and 1840s, a period characterized by the development of two dominant political parties in the US.

A vocal and influential reform movement that challenged the morality of slavery, intensifying the national debate and adding to the growing divide.

A proposal in 1846 to ban slavery in any territory acquired from the Mexican War. It previewed the escalating conflict over slavery's expansion.

The period leading up to the American Civil War, characterized by escalating tensions over slavery, particularly in the territories. Seven Southern states seceded to form the Confederate States of America.

Formal withdrawal of a state from the Union, a key act in the lead up to the Civil War.

The issue of whether new territories admitted to the US would be free or slave states, fueling conflict between North and South.

A series of laws aimed at resolving the sectional conflicts, but failed to prevent further conflict.

The platform of the Republican Party advocating for a halt to the expansion of slavery, contributing to the South's decision to secede.

Southern belief that the North was determined to abolish slavery and pose a threat to their way of life, leading them to seek separation from the Union.

The inability to find a middle ground on the issue of slavery, escalating the crisis to war.

The election of Abraham Lincoln, a key event that led to the secession of Southern states and the start of the Civil War.