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Missouri Compromise
Granted Missouri statehood as a slave state; significance was that it was under the condition that slavery was prohibited in the rest of Louisiana Purchase -
Monroe Doctrine
Stated to stop the interference and colonization from European countries; new world and old world must remain distinct spheres; became a cornerstone of US foreign policy -
Trail of Tears
On behalf of white settlers who wanted to cultivate more land, federal government forced Indians off their homelands towards "designated Indian territory." This was the difficult journey that the Indians had to take; many died. -
Battle of the Alamo
During Texas's war of independence from Mexico, Mexican forces began to take over the fort, and Alamo's defenders were able to hold 13 days before defeat. -
Panic of 1837
Due to Andrew Jackson's change in the nation's banking system, leading government fund to be withdrawn from the bank. This led to a financial and economic crisis that followed. -
Sutter's Fort
With more than 150,000 acres of land grant in the Sacramento valley, Sutter was known as a generous host and his place became a destination for people immigrating to America. However in 1848, Sutter's carpenter first discovered gold at his upcoming sawmill. -
Pre-empton Act
Permitted "squatters" who were living on federal government owned land to purchase up to 160 acres at a low price before the land was to be offered for sale to the general public. This provided settlers with place to live. -
Bear Flag Revolt
Settlers in California rebelled against the Mexican government because they claimed CA to be an independent republic. The bear flag soon became the state flag of CA as the US military took over the area. -
US - Mexican War
The first American war fought on foreign soil. Following the proclaimed "Manifest Destiny" by president James K. Polk, the US had many victories, obtaining California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. -
Compromise of 1850
Senator Henry Clay created this compromise to avert conflict between the north and the south. This amended the Fugitive Slave Act and abolished slave trade in Washington DC -
Fugitive Slave Law
These were federal laws that allowed for the capture and return of runaway slaves within the US. This new law compelled citizens to assist in the capture of runaway slaves. -
Gadsden Purchase
29,670-square-mile region of present-day southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico that the United States purchased via a treaty; expanded territory -
Bleeding Kansas
Overturning the Missouri Compromise, the freedom of Kansas was now determined by popular sovereignty. People who oppose and support slavery all flooded into Kansas to influence the decision, which ended in anarchy. This led to increased tension between north and south. -
Dred Scott Decision
Scott was not free because he was not a person under the Constitution, even though residing in free states. The case affirmed the right of slave owners to take their slaves into the Western territories, which negated popular sovereignty -
Harper's Ferry
This place was targeted by a abolitionist raid led by John Brown to establish an independent stronghold of freed slaves. However, Brown was captured. This inflamed white southern fears of slave rebellions and increased tensions between the north and south. -
Secession - S. Carolina
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Civil War
Starting in 1861 and ending in 1865, this bloody and costly war stated as tensions broke between the north and the south over slavery rights and westward expansion. the war finally ended with Confederate surrender and abolishing slavery. -
Secession - Mississippi
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Secession - Florida
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Secession - Alabama
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Secession - Georgia
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Secession - Louisiana
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Secession - Texas
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Secession - Virginia
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Secession - Arkansas
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Secession - N.Carolina
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Secession - Tennessee
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Emancipation Proclamation
This was a presidential proclamation and executive order of Abraham Lincoln, which declared that "all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free." -
Battle of Gettysburg
Considered the most important engagement in the Civil War, the battle of Gettysburg was the last time that the south invaded the north. the war started as advancing Confederates clashed with the Union’s Army of the Potomac in the town of Gettysburg. Many casualties. -
Gettysburg Address
One of the best known speeches in history, known for its precision and highlighting the topics of human equality, new birth of freedom, and preservation of the union. This speech was held at the National Cemetery of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, dedicated to victims of the Civil War. -
13th Amendment
The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. Senate passed in 1864, and House in 1865 -
14th amendment
All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. -
15th amendment
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.