Ultimate History Notes PDF
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Stuyvesant High School
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These notes cover key aspects of American history, focusing specifically on the Civil War period and the compromises of the time, such as the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. They discuss the role of significant figures and the impact of these events on the nation.
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The Compromise of1850 by Henry Clay allowed California to enter the Union as a free state. It had the Fugitive Slave Act, required return of escaped slaves to their owners, even if they were in free states. This temporarily eased tensions but it contributed to the debate over slavery, leading to...
The Compromise of1850 by Henry Clay allowed California to enter the Union as a free state. It had the Fugitive Slave Act, required return of escaped slaves to their owners, even if they were in free states. This temporarily eased tensions but it contributed to the debate over slavery, leading to the Civil War. southern are slave states (confederate), northern are free states (union) Utah and New Mexico is open to slavery by popular sovereignty (People vote to decide on issues) The Fugitive Slave Law increased tensions between the North and South by requiring citizens in free states to assist in the capture and return of escaped slaves. Everything about this law favored the owners. It led to increased activity on the Underground Railroad, as slavery abolitionists worked harder to help escaped slaves reach safety in Canada. The Fugitive Slave Law Everything about this favored the slave owner. Disturbed many Northerners and abolitionists as it required white and black Northerners to aid in returning fugitive slaves, essentially forcing them to work on behalf of Southern planters. Court officials obtained compensation according to the judge’s decision: $10 if the judge returned the slave to the proclaimed owner, and $5 if the judge decided there was insufficient proof to do so. Any person who knowingly hindered the arrest of a fugitive slave could be fined more than $1,000 and jailed for 6 months. Missouri Compromise: The Missouri Compromise 1820 had Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state to maintain the balance between free and slave states. It also prohibited slavery in the Louisiana Purchase territory north of the 36°30′ parallel (kentucky-tennessee border), except Missouri. 2. Connections to “Is war inevitable”?: - The law increased tensions and made conflict more likely.. - These tensions eventually led to the Civil War. - Conflicting views divided both sides Do Now: Why did the people in free states not like the Fugitive Slave Law? Abolitionists did not want slaves to return back to slavery. Henry Clay (border state): He didn't want to expand slavery, but he was a slave owner, Represented Kentucky and was known for his efforts in organizing things such as the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. He played an important role in maintaining the balance between free and slave states. John C. Calhoun (Southern): Represented South Carolina and was a strong advocate for states' rights and slavery.. L4: Kansas-Nebraska Act The Kansas-Nebraska Act was a law passed in 1854 that allowed the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves whether or not to allow slavery within their borders through PS. Popular sovereignty: People vote to decide on issues Popular sovereignty strengthened democratic principles by allowing settlers to decide on slavery, giving settlers the power to voice their opinions. It caused violent conflicts called "Bleeding Kansas," increased tensions, and weakened the Missouri Compromise, intensifying the debate about slavery. The events following the Kansas-Nebraska Act are known as "Bleeding Kansas" because of the violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers in the Kansas Territory. L5: Dred Scott Short Response: Using your prior knowledge on how slavery has been handled legally up to this point in U.S. history, what is your prediction on what the Supreme Court will rule for this decision? Will Dred Scott be freed, or no? Explain your response. Based on past legal handling of slavery, the Supreme Court will likely rule against Dred Scott's freedom. Dred Scott was in a free state so he thought he would be free from slavery. In the past, they protected slaveholders' rights. Therefore, the Court will probably decide that Dred Scott remains a slave. Multiple Choice Questions for Contextualization: In which state was Dred Scott originally serving Dr. Emerson as a slave? Missouri Which two locations was Dred Scott taken to where slavery was banned? Rock Island, Illinois & Fort Snelling, Minnesota How does the Missouri Compromise / Compromise of 1820 impact this case? The Missouri compromise bans slavery in territories north of the 36’ 30” line - where Dred Scott was taken as a slave L6: Abolition Movement: Frederick Douglass was a powerful speaker and writer who used his skills to fight for the abolition of slavery. He published several autobiographies and founded the abolitionist newspaper, the North Star, to spread the message. Douglass also collaborated with other abolitionists and met with political leaders to push for the end of slavery. Abolitionists were not liked by northerners because abolitionists just increased tensions with the South. L7: Abolitionist Movement: Harriet To convince Americans in the 1850s to become abolitionists, the best approach would be to use powerful, emotional appeals that highlight the moral aspects of slavery. This could involve sharing personal stories of those who suffered under slavery, as well as emphasizing the Christian religion to oppose this inhumane practice. They convinced people by showing the harsh realities of slavery. L8: John Brown at Harper’s Ferry What was Uncle Tom’s Cabin? "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is about Uncle Tom, an enslaved man who faces various hardships under different owners. The novel shows the brutal realities of slavery and aims to evoke empathy and moral outrage. It played a significant role in spreading the abolitionist movement by making people aware of the inhumanity of slavery. The book's popularity helped intensify the national debate over slavery, contributing to the tensions that led to the Civil War. What did you think was strong about Harriet Beecher Stowe’s argument against slavery as presented in Uncle Tom’s Cabin? Harriet Beecher Stowe's argument against slavery in "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was strong because she used emotional stories to show the brutal realities of slavery. She described the suffering of enslaved people, making it impossible for readers to ignore their moral senses. Stowe also appealed to Christian values, urging her audience to see the contradiction between their faith and the practice of slavery. John Brown Historical Context John Brown, deeply affected by witnessing a slave being beaten as a child, vowed to fight against slavery. By the mid-1800s, he was actively involved in the abolitionist movement. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 led to violent conflicts in Kansas, known as "Bleeding Kansas." In 1856, after pro-slavery forces attacked abolitionists in Lawrence, Kansas, Brown led a retaliatory raid, killing five people. In 1859, Brown attempted to rebel against slavery by taking away the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. However, the expected uprising did not occur, and Brown was captured by U.S. Army officers Robert E. Lee and J. E. B. Stuart. Brown and six of his followers were hanged, and he became a martyr for the abolitionist cause. Brown's execution further increased tensions, shocking abolitionists and "Free-Soilers" in the North, who opposed the spread of slavery to new territories. John Brown should be remembered as someone with good intentions who tried to fight for the abolishment of slavery. L10: THE FINAL LEARNING LESSON FOR ANT. ERA: Election of 1864 1. Why Did the Southern States Secede? - They wanted to keep slavery because it was essential for their farms and economy. - They didn’t like the federal government telling them what to do, especially about slavery. - They feared Lincoln would stop slavery from spreading or even end it. 2. Leaders of the Confederacy - Jefferson Davis was the President of the Confederacy. - Alexander H. Stephens was the Vice President. How did the Election of 1860 impact the South? Also, think about the following: Did Lincoln’s Republican party run on an abolitionist platform? The Election of 1860 had a huge impact on the South because Abraham Lincoln's win made many Southerners feel that their way of life (slavery) was at risk. Even though Lincoln's Republican Party did not plan to abolish slavery where it already existed, he tried to stop slavery’s spread to new territories. This alarmed the South, where slavery was essential to their economy and society. No, Lincoln's Republican Party did not run on an abolitionist platform. Instead, the party's main stance was to stop the spread of slavery into new territories. South Carolina and six other Southern states quickly left the Union, forming the Confederate States of America to protect slavery and their way of life/rights. This election showed the increasing tensions between the North and South, pushing the country closer to the Civil War. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Start of the Civil War Unit: L1: UNION V.S. CONFEDERACY What are the differences between Confederate and Union States? The Union opposed the expansion of slavery and tried to preserve a strong central government, while the Confederate States of America prioritized states' rights and protected slavery because it was important to their economy. The event that caused the Civil War was the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina, in April 1861. This started conflict between the Union and the Confederates. L2: Advantages and Disadvantages at start of Civil War One significant advantage for the Union was its industrial machinery and many men. This allowed the Union to make (machinery) and provide (railroads) more weapons, supplies, and resources necessary for war. Throu\ghout the Civil War, this advantage gave the Union the ability to sustain its armies and maintain superiority. The Union won the Civil War. The Union had more purpose because they were fighting for the future of America and their survival. If the South wins, they will get to have slavery, but it will destroy America and things will never be fixed afterwards. If the North wins, they will have finally united all the states and later on, every state will become one nation. L6: Emancipation Proclamation What could the North do to change the purpose of the Civil War to one that has more significance to them? What action could be taken by the federal gov’t? The North could change the purpose of the Civil War to one with greater moral significance by making it a fight to end slavery, rather than solely preserving the Union. The federal government could take action by issuing a proclamation, such as the Emancipation Proclamation, to declare the freedom of enslaved people in the Confederate states. This would shift the focus of the war to a cause that resonated more deeply with abolitionists and many Northerners, strengthening their comHistorical Context of Emancipation Proclamation Historical Context of Emancipation Proclamation Issued after the Battle of Antietam, September 1862, which is to this day the bloodiest battle in United States history. Union had pushed back Confederates from the momentum they had gained since the start of the war Confederates at this time were still lobbying for help from Great Britain and France, where slavery had been abolished. What was the EP in 1-2 sentences? Do you think passing the Emancipation Proclamation was a good decision by Lincoln to bring the Civil War to an end? Why or why not (1-2 sentences)? How many slaves did the Emancipation proclamation free? The Emancipation Proclamation, by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1863, made slaves in Confederate states to be free, making the Civil War a fight against slavery. It was a good decision because it weakened the Confederacy because their economy involved slavery. While it didn’t immediately free any enslaved people because it applied only to Confederate-controlled areas, it eventually helped free about 3.5 to 4 million enslaved individuals by the war's end. L7: Gettysburg Address What was the Gettysburg Address? What do you think the purpose of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was? What message was he trying to get across to Americans? Has the United States lived up to Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address? Why or why not ? - The Gettysburg Address was a powerful speech delivered by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 at a Civil War cemetery, emphasizing equality, national unity, and the sacrifices made for freedom. - Its purpose was to remind Americans of the founding ideals of liberty and equality and to inspire them to continue the fight for a united and just nation. - Lincoln’s message was that the sacrifices of those who fought must lead to a “new birth of freedom” and ensure that the government “of the people, by the people, for the people” is there. - The United States has made progress toward Lincoln's vision through advancements in civil rights and democracy, but ongoing tensions show there are improvements to be made. L8: Union Generals: Sherman and Grant Grant was known for his calm and decisive leadership. But Sherman was well known for his bold and innovative tactics. Grant's strength was his ability to stay focused under pressure. However, Sherman's strength was his innovative approach to warfare. 1. Who was General Sherman? Explain his significance in the Civil War using evidence from Chapter 26. What is total war? How was it displayed during the Civil War? General Sherman was a Union leader in the Civil War known for using harsh tactics to win. He practiced total war, attacking not just soldiers but also destroying resources like food, supplies, and homes. His "March to the Sea" weakened the South and helped end the war. L9: Election of 1864 During the Civil War, the presidential election of 1864 was held. Do you think this election was necessary to have during a war? Explain why or why not in 2-3 sentences. The presidential election of 1864, held during the Civil War, saw Abraham Lincoln run for re-election against George McClellan. This election was necessary to show that democracy could endure even during a national crisis, giving the people a voice in their leadership. It demonstrated the strength and resilience of the United States’ democratic system. The End Of Notes L13: 13th Amendment (Last learning lesson of Civil War Unit) The 13th Amendment just removed slavery. How did the Civil War end? In 1865, the U.S. faced unresolved racial tensions, a destroyed Southern economy, and the challenge of reunifying the nation after the Civil War. How do you approve an amendment? To pass an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, it must be proposed either by a 2/3 majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate and then ratified by 3/4 of the state legislatures or conventions.