History Final Exam - PDF

Essay Questions Discuss the evolving ways pro slavery Americans try to justify slavery in the decades following the American RevolutionPeriod in answering this question you should also count for any changes. -Economic Necessity: Supporters claimed that slavery was essential for the economy, particu...

Essay Questions Discuss the evolving ways pro slavery Americans try to justify slavery in the decades following the American RevolutionPeriod in answering this question you should also count for any changes. -Economic Necessity: Supporters claimed that slavery was essential for the economy, particularly in the Southern states where cotton and tobacco farming thrived. They argued that the economic success of the nation rested on slave labor. -Paternalism: Some justifications leaned on the idea of “paternalism,” where enslaved individuals were portrayed as being cared for and civilized by their enslavers. This was a condescending argument that positioned whites as benevolent guardians, tasked with managing what they viewed as the inferior race. -Racial Inferiority: By the early 19th century, scientific racism began to take root. Pro-slavery Americans argued that black people were inherently inferior to white people, and that slavery was a natural condition for them. This positioned slavery not just as a social or economic institution, but as a necessary order of nature. -Social Darwinism: Some pro-slavery proponents employed ideas that echoed social Darwinism, framing slavery as a natural selection process where “stronger” or “superior” races naturally dominate “inferior” ones. -Biblical Justifications: Pro-slavery advocates interpreted biblical texts to support the institution of slavery. They cited passages that mentioned slavery (e.g., the Old Testament) to argue that God approved of slavery, maintaining that it was not inherently immoral. -Moral Argument: Many claimed that slavery provided a civilizing influence on enslaved Africans, presenting it as a means to convert them to Christianity and provide them with a better life. -States' Rights: Pro-slavery Americans argued for states' rights, claiming that each state should have the authority to decide the legality of slavery. This rhetoric became increasingly prominent in political debates, especially as the issue of slavery spilled into new territories acquired from the Mexican-American War. -Constitutional Arguments: The U.S. Constitution was invoked to argue that the federal government had no right to interfere with slavery in the states, framing slavery as a constitutionally protected institution. Legal cases, such as Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857), reinforced these arguments by declaring that African Americans could not be citizens and that Congress had no authority to regulate slavery in the territories. Identify the three main compromises Congress came up with to deal with the issue of slavery between 1820 and 1860. In addition to outlining the issues that led to the compromises you should also explain why they eventually failed. 1. Missouri Compromise (1820) Issues Leading to the Compromise: By 1820, the United States was divided between free and slave states, with Missouri seeking admission as a slave state. This raised concerns about maintaining the balance of power in Congress, as admitting Missouri would tip the balance in favor of slave states. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 had already prohibited slavery in the territories north and west of the Ohio River, establishing a precedent for free states. Key Provisions: The compromise allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state while Maine was admitted as a free state, maintaining the balance of 12 free and 12 slave states. It also established a geographic line (the 36°30′ parallel) across the Louisiana Territory, north of which slavery would be prohibited. Reasons for Failure:  The Missouri Compromise provided only a temporary fix. It did not address the expansion of slavery into new territories gained from the Louisiana Purchase. Tensions continued to rise as new territories were acquired, especially as the question of whether they would permit slavery became a contentious issue, leading many to view the compromise as inadequate. 2. Compromise of 1850 Issues Leading to the Compromise: Following the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and the acquisition of vast territories, the issue of whether to allow slavery in these territories became increasingly divisive. The Gold Rush in California intensified demands for statehood, prompting fears that permitting California as a free state would upset the delicate balance of power. Key Provisions: The Compromise of 1850 consisted of several laws: ○ California was admitted as a free state. ○ The territories of New Mexico and Utah were organized with the principle of popular sovereignty, allowing residents to decide on slavery. ○ The slave trade was abolished in Washington, D.C. ○ The Fugitive Slave Act was strengthened, making it easier for slaveholders to recapture escaped slaves. Reasons for Failure: The Fugitive Slave Act stoked animosity in the North, as many viewed it as morally reprehensible and an imposition of Southern norms on Northern states. Opposition to popular sovereignty was fierce, particularly in the North, leading to conflict in the territories.  The compromises did not resolve the fundamental conflict over slavery; instead, they intensified sectional divisions and led to increased activism in both the abolitionist and pro-slavery movements. 3. Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) Issues Leading to the Compromise: The push for a transcontinental railroad necessitated the organization of the Nebraska Territory, with proponents desiring to allow settlers to decide the status of slavery. The act repealed the Missouri Compromise, which had previously barred slavery in that territory, leading to outrage in the Northern states. Key Provisions: The Kansas-Nebraska Act created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, allowing for popular sovereignty to determine their status regarding slavery. Reasons for Failure: The act ignited violent conflicts known as "Bleeding Kansas" as pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers rushed to the territories to influence the vote. The violence and chaos in Kansas revealed the deep divisions within the country and demonstrated that the issue of slavery could not be settled by legislative compromise. The act significantly contributed to the realignment of political parties, leading to the rise of the Republican Party, which was committed to opposing the expansion of slavery. Compare and contrast the effects of the market revolution and second great awakening in the north and south and answering this question you will need to consider categories such as race class and gender 1. Economic Context Market Revolution North: The Market Revolution was characterized by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of a market economy. This transformation led to the growth of factories and railroads, significantly changing labor patterns and economic relationships. South: The South remained predominantly agrarian, reliant on plantation agriculture and slave labor. The cotton economy flourished, reinforcing a socioeconomic structure heavily dependent on slavery. Second Great Awakening North: The Second Great Awakening fueled social reforms, including movements to abolish slavery, promote temperance, and improve education. It inspired a spirit of individualism and personal responsibility, leading to various reform efforts. South: In the South, the Second Great Awakening often reinforced existing social hierarchies. Many white evangelicals promoted a paternalistic view of slavery, suggesting that enslaved people could be "saved" through Christian conversion. 2. Race Market Revolution North: The industrial workforce was increasingly diverse, with immigrants from Europe filling factory jobs. However, African Americans faced discrimination, and many were relegated to low-paying jobs or forced into unskilled labor. This context eventually led to increased racial tensions, particularly in urban areas.  South: The Market Revolution perpetuated and reinforced the institution of slavery. The demand for cotton as a cash crop led to the expansion of plantations, and enslaved Africans remained central to the Southern economy. The economic advantages of slavery entrenched racist ideologies that justified the system. Second Great Awakening North: The Second Great Awakening inspired abolitionist sentiments among many Northern religious leaders and communities. The moral imperative to combat slavery gained traction, and Black churches flourished, becoming centers for activism and community building. South: While there were few anti-slavery movements within the South, the Second Great Awakening also helped to promote a sense of religious duty to maintain slavery among Southern whites. Many argued that slaveholders had a moral responsibility to "civilize" and Christianize enslaved individuals, which further dehumanized the latter. 3. Class Market Revolution North: The Market Revolution brought about significant changes in class structure. A burgeoning middle class emerged, comprising factory owners, merchants, and skilled workers. However, working-class individuals faced poor working conditions, leading to labor reform movements. South: The Southern class structure remained rigidly hierarchical. Wealth was concentrated in the hands of plantation owners, while a significant proportion of the population consisted of poor white farmers and enslaved laborers. This class system was intimately tied to the institution of slavery. Second Great Awakening North: The revivalist fervor of the Second Great Awakening motivated various reform movements, many of which were led by middle-class women and men.  The focus on moral improvement aligned with the aspirations and values of the middle class, positioning them as agents of change. South: In the South, the Second Great Awakening reinforced the social order, often providing justifications for maintaining class structures based on race and status. Plantation owners and other elites used religion to consolidate their power and social standing. 4. Gender Market Revolution North: The Market Revolution significantly impacted women's roles. Many women, especially from the lower and working classes, entered the workforce, particularly in textile mills. This labor participation challenged traditional norms but also led to the emergence of a "cult of domesticity" that idealized women’s roles as homemakers. South: In the South, women in plantation households were often seen as part of the elite, with their roles defined by managing domestic spheres and maintaining social status. Enslaved women faced brutal realities of labor both in the fields and in domestic spaces, often suffering from sexual exploitation. Second Great Awakening North: The Second Great Awakening provided women an opportunity to engage in public life, especially through reform movements. Many women became involved in abolition, temperance, and education, using their roles as moral guardians to assert influence beyond the domestic sphere. South: In the South, women played a dual role. While the main evangelical movements often encouraged women to focus on the home, some Southern women became active in church organizations, bolstering support for slavery and the Southern way of life as part of their religious duty. Compare and contrast the first and second party systems.In addition to discussing the relevant political parties and their positions on the major issues make sure to explain how they eventually broke down. First Party System (1790s-1820) Major Parties: 1. Federalists: Led by figures like George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams, the Federalists supported a strong central government, an industrial economy, and alignment with Great Britain. They advocated for a loose interpretation of the Constitution and the establishment of a national bank. Their support base was primarily in urban areas and among the merchant class. 2. Democratic-Republicans: Founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, this party was in opposition to the Federalists. They championed states’ rights, agrarian interests, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution. The Democratic-Republicans generally supported westward expansion and were more sympathetic toward France compared to the Federalists. Major Issues: Federal Power: Federalists favored a strong federal government, while Democratic-Republicans prioritized states’ rights. Economic Policy: The Federalists supported policies that favored industrialization and commerce, emphasizing the need for a national bank. In contrast, Democratic-Republicans promoted agrarianism and were wary of centralized economic control. Foreign Relations: The Federalists leaned toward Britain, while the Democratic-Republicans sympathized with revolutionary France. Breakdown of the First Party System: By the 1820s, the Federalist Party weakened due to internal divisions, losses in presidential elections, and declining influence (especially after the War of 1812). A sense of national unity emerged in the post-war period, often referred to as the "Era of Good Feelings," which saw the Democratic-Republicans dominate without significant opposition. Second Party System (1828-1854) Major Parties: 1. Democrats: Emerging from the Democratic-Republican Party, the Democrats, led by figures such as Andrew Jackson, championed the cause of the "common man." They supported westward expansion, Indian removal, and fought against elitism, working to make politics more accessible to ordinary citizens. The Democrats endorsed a hands-off approach to the economy, opposing high tariffs and a national bank. 2. Whigs: The Whig Party emerged in the 1830s in opposition to Jacksonian policies. They promoted a more active role for the federal government in economic development, endorsing infrastructure projects, protective tariffs, and a national bank. The Whigs had a coalition of interests, including merchants, planters, and reform-minded individuals. Major Issues: Government's Role in the Economy: Democrats favored minimal government intervention, while Whigs supported a more active role in economic development. Slavery: Although the issue of slavery began to surface during the second party system, the parties initially managed to sidestep deep divisions. However, whig opposition to the expansion of slavery became more pronounced, while Democrats were mostly associated with pro-slavery sentiments in the South. Westward Expansion: Both parties generally supported westward expansion, although Democrats championed it more passionately, leading to conflicts such as the Mexican-American War. Breakdown of the Second Party System: The second party system began to break down due to increasing tensions over slavery. The inability of the Democrats and Whigs to reconcile their differing views on slavery—particularly in the context of new territories gained from westward expansion—created a schism. The passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, which introduced the concept of popular sovereignty regarding slavery in the territories, triggered vehement opposition in the North. Formation of New Parties: 1. Republican Party: The collapse of the Whig Party led to the formation of the Republican Party in the mid-1850s. It was an amalgamation of former Whigs, Free Soilers, and anti-slavery Democrats united against the expansion of slavery. 2. Know-Nothing Party: Also known as the American Party, this party focused on anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic sentiment. The result of these divisions culminated in a realignment of American politics, leading to the Civil War as the Republican Party emerged as a dominant force opposing the pro-slavery Southern Democrats. As we have discussed in some ways, deciding slavery was wrong was the easy part. The harder part came with what happens next. Discuss at least three different ways Americans considered ending slavery between 1780 and 1865. And answering the question you should also explain what if any challenges existed. 1. Gradual Emancipation Overview: Many abolitionists, as well as some slaveholders, proposed gradual emancipation as a strategy to end slavery. This approach suggested that slaves be freed incrementally over a defined period, allowing for a transition away from a slave-based economy. The idea was often rooted in concerns over the economic implications of immediate emancipation and the potential for social upheaval. Examples: The northern states, like Pennsylvania and New York, adopted gradual emancipation laws in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.  Some Southern states also considered similar measures, hoping to prepare for a future without slavery. Challenges: Economic Dependence: Many Southern planters feared that gradual emancipation would disrupt their agricultural economy, which relied heavily on slave labor. This concern led to resistance against gradual reforms. Racial and Social Tensions: There were fears about how free Black individuals would integrate into society. Many Whites in both the North and South believed that free Blacks would pose a threat to social order, resulting in widespread opposition to policies of gradual emancipation. Lack of Consensus: There was significant disagreement on how gradual emancipation would be implemented, including disputes over compensation for slave owners and the rights of freed individuals. 2. Colonization Overview: Colonization was another approach that gained traction during this period, which involved sending freed African Americans to Africa or other territories as a solution to the “problem” of freed slaves in American society. The most notable organization advocating this was the American Colonization Society (ACS), which aimed to establish a colony for freed slaves in Liberia. Challenges: Logistical and Financial Issues: The colonization plan faced significant logistical challenges, such as the costs of resettlement and the lack of viable land and resources in Africa for large populations. Opposition from African Americans: Many African Americans opposed colonization on the grounds that America was their home and that they had the right to live there as free citizens. Figures such as Frederick Douglass spoke vehemently against the idea.  Moral Implications: The idea of colonization was seen by some as an attempt to perpetuate racial divisions, suggesting that freed Blacks were unwelcome in American society. This created moral and ethical dilemmas regarding treatment and inclusion of African Americans. 3. Immediate Abolition Overview: The most radical approach considered was immediate abolition, advocating for the immediate and unconditional end of slavery without compensation to slaveholders. This movement was largely driven by abolitionists, both Black and White, who organized campaigns, published literature, and led protests against slavery. Examples: The American Anti-Slavery Society, founded in 1833, was a prominent organization that promoted immediate abolition. Notable figures included William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass. The publication of abolitionist newspapers, such as "The Liberator," helped to raise awareness and garner support for the cause. Challenges: Political Resistance: The immediate abolitionist stance faced vehement opposition from both the North and the South. Many Northern politicians and citizens were unwilling to push for immediate abolition due to fears of violence and social disorder. Violence and Backlash: Abolitionists often faced violent reprisals from pro-slavery factions. This included riots, attacks on abolitionist meetings, and threats against their lives and livelihoods. Social Divisions: The push for immediate abolition exposed deep social divisions within the country. Many Americans were uncomfortable with the idea of granting full equality and civil rights to formerly enslaved individuals, creating a complex social dynamic. Terms Emancipation proclamation- An executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declaring the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory. Relevance: A pivotal moment in American history that shifted the Civil War's focus to the abolition of slavery, it allowed African Americans to join the Union Army. Quasi war- An undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France from 1798 to 1800, primarily fought at sea. Relevance: Highlighted the increasing tensions between the U.S. and foreign powers, leading to the development of a strong U.S. Navy. Kentucky and Virginia resolutions- Political statements drafted in 1798 and 1799 by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison that argued states had the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional. Relevance: Introduced the concept of states' rights and set precedents for future conflicts over federal authority. Republican motherhood- The idea that women had a role in instilling republican values in their children and educating them to be virtuous citizens. Relevance: Emphasized the social importance of women in early American society and contributed to the foundation for future movements advocating for women's rights. Hartford convention- A series of meetings in 1814-1815 where New England Federalists discussed opposition to the War of 1812 and proposed constitutional amendments. Relevance: Marked the decline of the Federalist Party and demonstrated regional tensions in the US during this period. Cult of domesticity/true womanhood An ideology that promoted the traditional roles of women as pious, pure, submissive, and devoted to home and family. Relevance: Defined and limited women's roles in society, while also laying groundwork for later women's rights movements. Election of 1860- A key election where Abraham Lincoln's victory prompted the secession of several Southern states. Relevance: The election highlighted the deep divisions over slavery and set the stage for the Civil War. American system- An economic plan proposed by Henry Clay that aimed to unify the national economy through protective tariffs, a national bank, and internal improvements. Relevance: Aimed to promote economic growth and development, though faced opposition from those who favored states’ rights approaches. American school- A movement in education focusing on creating an educational system that reflected American values and assets rather than European models. Relevance: Underpinned reforms in education and helped align educational institutions with national ideals. Paternalism- The practice of governing or managing individuals in a manner similar to a father raising children, often used to justify control over certain populations. Relevance: Justified slavery and the treatment of Native Americans as a civilizing mission; highlights power dynamics in society. Whiskey rebellion- A violent tax protest in the United States beginning in 1791 and ending in 1794 during George Washington's presidency. Relevance: Demonstrated the federal government’s ability to enforce law and order, asserting the power of the federal government. Wilmot Proviso- A legislative proposal in 1846 aimed at banning slavery in territories acquired from Mexico. Relevance: Catalyzed debates around slavery in new territories, further inflaming sectional tensions. American temperance society- Founded in 1826, the society aimed to promote the reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption. Relevance: Laid the groundwork for the later prohibition movement and highlighted social issues associated with alcohol consumption. Sherman's field order 15- An order issued by General William Tecumseh Sherman during the Civil War that set aside land for freed slaves in the South. Relevance: Represented early attempts at reparations and land redistribution post-Civil War, though most land was later returned. Fort Sumter- A federal fort in Charleston, South Carolina, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861. Relevance: Marked the beginning of the Civil War, intensifying the conflict between the Union and Confederate states. Kansas Nebraska act- An 1854 law that created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska and allowed settlers to determine if they would allow slavery. Relevance: Led to violent conflict known as "Bleeding Kansas" and further polarized the nation over the issue of slavery. The "gag rule”- A rule passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 1830s that prevented consideration of anti-slavery petitions. Relevance: Reflected the heightened tensions surrounding the issue of slavery and stifled discussion in Congress. Panic of 1819- The first major financial crisis in the United States, marked by bank failures, high unemployment, and foreclosures. Relevance: Highlighted weaknesses in the economy and federal banking policies, contributing to the 1820s political landscape. Seneca falls convention- The first women's rights convention held in 1848, which produced the Declaration of Sentiments advocating for women's rights. Relevance: Marked the start of the organized women's rights movement in the U.S. “Bleeding Kansas”- A series of violent civil confrontations in Kansas between 1854 and 1859 over the legality of slavery in the proposed state. Relevance: Served as a violent prelude to the Civil War, demonstrating the intense national divisions over slavery. Manifest destiny- The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the U.S. throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable. Relevance: Justified territorial expansion and was used to rationalize the displacement of Native Americans and the war with Mexico. Mexican American war- A war between Mexico and the United States (1846-1848) following the U.S. annexation of Texas. Relevance: Resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States and intensified debates over slavery. Hamilton's fiscal plan- Alexander Hamilton's proposals in the 1790s to stabilize the American economy through federal assumption of state debts, a national bank, and tariffs. Relevance: Laid the groundwork for America's financial system and sparked debates that defined early American politics. Know-nothings- A nativist political group active in the 1850s that opposed immigration and Catholic influence in the United States. Relevance: Revealed cultural tensions and fears associated with immigration in antebellum America. Impressment- The act of forcibly recruiting individuals into military service, a practice used by the British against American sailors in the early 19th century. Relevance: Contributed to rising tensions that led to the War of 1812. Missouri compromise An 1820 agreement that allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance in Congress. Relevance: Temporarily settled the issue of slavery expansion but foreshadowed future conflicts. Nat turner's rebellion A slave uprising led by Nat Turner in Virginia in 1831 that resulted in the deaths of many enslavers and slaves. Relevance: Increased fears among southern whites and prompted stricter slave codes. Jay treaty An 1795 agreement between the U.S. and Great Britain that resolved some issues remaining since the Revolutionary War. Relevance: Averted war and established important trade relations, but faced criticism and led to the formation of the Democratic-Republican Party. 54’ 40 or fight A slogan associated with U.S. expansionist efforts regarding the Oregon Territory in the 1840s. Relevance: Reflected Manifest Destiny sentiments and heightened tensions with Britain. Indian removal act A law passed in 1830 that led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes to territories west of the Mississippi River. Relevance: Resulted in the Trail of Tears and demonstrated the U.S. government's commitment to expansion at the expense of indigenous peoples. Dred Scott V Sandford- An 1857 Supreme Court case ruling that declared African Americans were not citizens and ruled the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional. Relevance: Intensified national divisions over slavery and denied legal rights to enslaved individuals. American colonization society Founded in 1816, it aimed to resettle free African Americans in Africa. Relevance: Highlighted complex attitudes toward race and the limitations of African American freedom in the U.S. First emancipation movement Efforts, primarily in the early 19th century, aimed at ending slavery in the United States. Relevance: Laid the groundwork for later abolitionist movements and increased public discourse on slavery. Alien and sedition acts Laws passed in 1798 that restricted the rights of immigrants and limited free speech against the government. Relevance: Created a significant backlash, influencing perceptions of the Federalist Party and contributing to the rise of the Democratic-Republican Party. Corrupt bargain The term used by supporters of Andrew Jackson to describe the alleged deal between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay during the election of 1824. Relevance: Highlighted issues of political corruption and the contentious nature of U.S. political systems. Harper’s Ferry The site of John Brown’s 1859 raid to initiate an armed slave revolt. Relevance: Exemplified the extreme measures some abolitionists were willing to take and heightened national tensions leading to the Civil War. Compromise of 1850 A package of five laws aimed at resolving the territorial and slavery controversies arising from the Mexican-American War. Relevance: Attempted to ease sectional tensions but ultimately failed, contributing to the onset of the Civil War. Shay’s Rebellion: An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices. Relevance: Illustrates the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and spurred calls for a stronger federal government. Specie Circular: An 1836 executive order by President Jackson requiring payment for government land in gold or silver. Relevance: Contributed to economic instability and the Panic of 1837. Copperheads: A faction of Northern Democrats who opposed the Civil War and advocated for peace with the Confederacy. Relevance: Represented significant domestic opposition to the war and raised questions about loyalty and civil rights during wartime. Cherokee Nation v. Georgia: An 1831 Supreme Court case in which the Cherokee Nation sought a federal injunction against laws passed by Georgia. Relevance: Established the principle that Native American tribes were sovereign nations, although it did not prevent their removal. “Free Labor”: The ideology that emphasized the moral and economic superiority of a labor system based on free wage labor compared to slave labor. Relevance: Fueled abolitionist arguments and framed the economic debates leading up to the Civil War.