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ap us history unit 5 study guides

civil war and reconstruction, 1848–1877

5.0

Unit 5 Overview: Toward the Civil War & Reconstruction (1848-1877)

5.1

Contextualizing Period 5

5.2

Manifest Destiny

5.3

The Mexican–American War

5.4

The Compromise of 1850

5.5

Sectional Conflict: Regional Differences

5.6

Failure of Compromise

5.7

Election of 1860 and Secession

5.8

Military Conflict in the Civil War

5.9

Government Policies during the Civil War

5.10

Reconstruction

5.11

Failure of Reconstruction

5.12

Comparison in Period 5, 1844-1877

unit 5 review

The Civil War era, spanning 1848-1877, was a tumultuous period that reshaped America. Tensions over slavery's expansion, states' rights, and economic differences between North and South culminated in a devastating conflict that claimed over 600,000 lives. The war's aftermath, known as Reconstruction, aimed to reunite the nation and integrate freed slaves into society. This period saw significant constitutional amendments and social changes, but also faced challenges from white supremacist groups and economic hardships, leaving a complex legacy that continues to impact American society today.

Key Events and Timeline

  • Compromise of 1850 attempted to resolve sectional tensions over slavery's expansion into new territories
  • Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) allowed popular sovereignty to determine slavery in new territories, leading to violent conflict in "Bleeding Kansas"
  • Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) Supreme Court decision ruled that African Americans were not citizens and Congress could not ban slavery in territories
  • John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry (1859) aimed to incite a slave rebellion but was quickly suppressed, increasing tensions between North and South
  • Abraham Lincoln elected president (1860), prompting Southern states to secede from the Union
  • Confederate attack on Fort Sumter (April 1861) marked the beginning of the Civil War
  • Emancipation Proclamation (1863) declared slaves in rebel states free, transforming the war's purpose to include ending slavery
  • Gettysburg (July 1863) and Vicksburg (July 1863) were turning points in the war, marking significant Union victories
  • Appomattox Court House (April 1865) was the site of Robert E. Lee's surrender to Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War
  • Assassination of Abraham Lincoln (April 1865) left the nation in shock and Vice President Andrew Johnson assumed the presidency
  • Reconstruction (1865-1877) aimed to rebuild the South and integrate former slaves into American society

Causes and Contributing Factors

  • Growing sectional tensions between North and South over the issue of slavery's expansion into new territories
  • Economic differences between the industrializing North and the agricultural South, which relied heavily on slave labor
  • Ideological differences regarding states' rights and the power of the federal government
  • Publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) by Harriet Beecher Stowe, which highlighted the cruelties of slavery and galvanized Northern opposition
  • Formation of the Republican Party (1854), which opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories
  • Bleeding Kansas and the violence that erupted as a result of the Kansas-Nebraska Act
  • Dred Scott decision, which invalidated the Missouri Compromise and opened all territories to slavery
  • Lincoln's election in 1860, which Southern states viewed as a threat to their way of life and the institution of slavery
  • Failure of compromise efforts, such as the Crittenden Compromise, to prevent secession and war

Major Figures and Their Roles

  • Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. President, led the Union during the Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation
  • Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, led the Southern states during the Civil War
  • Ulysses S. Grant, Union general who led the Army of the Potomac and later became the 18th U.S. President
  • Robert E. Lee, Confederate general who commanded the Army of Northern Virginia and served as a symbol of the Southern cause
  • William Tecumseh Sherman, Union general known for his "March to the Sea" campaign and total war tactics
  • Frederick Douglass, prominent African American abolitionist and advocate for civil rights
  • Harriet Tubman, former slave who became a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad and later served as a Union spy
  • Sojourner Truth, African American abolitionist and women's rights activist known for her "Ain't I a Woman?" speech
  • Thaddeus Stevens, Radical Republican congressman who advocated for harsh treatment of the South during Reconstruction
  • Andrew Johnson, 17th U.S. President who clashed with Radical Republicans over Reconstruction policies

Military Strategies and Battles

  • Anaconda Plan devised by Union General Winfield Scott aimed to blockade Southern ports and split the Confederacy along the Mississippi River
  • Battle of Antietam (September 1862), the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, ended in a tactical draw but provided Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation
  • Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863), a decisive Union victory that marked the turning point of the war in the Eastern Theater
  • Siege of Vicksburg (May-July 1863), a Union victory that secured control of the Mississippi River and split the Confederacy in two
  • Sherman's March to the Sea (November-December 1864) demonstrated the Union's total war strategy, destroying Southern infrastructure and morale
  • Overland Campaign (May-June 1864) led by Grant aimed to capture Richmond and destroy Lee's army through a series of bloody battles (Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor)
  • Siege of Petersburg (June 1864-April 1865), a prolonged battle that eventually led to the fall of Richmond and Lee's surrender at Appomattox
  • Naval innovations such as ironclad warships (Monitor and Merrimack) and the use of submarines (H.L. Hunley) changed the nature of naval warfare

Political Developments

  • Secession of Southern states following Lincoln's election, forming the Confederate States of America
  • Crittenden Compromise proposed a series of constitutional amendments to protect slavery but failed to prevent secession
  • Confederate Constitution closely mirrored the U.S. Constitution but explicitly protected slavery and promoted states' rights
  • Habeas Corpus suspended by Lincoln to arrest and detain suspected Confederate sympathizers without trial
  • Copperheads, Northern Democrats who opposed the war and favored a negotiated peace with the Confederacy
  • Emancipation Proclamation changed the war's focus to include ending slavery, preventing foreign intervention, and encouraging African American enlistment in the Union army
  • Gettysburg Address (November 1863) redefined the war's purpose as a struggle for freedom and equality
  • Election of 1864, in which Lincoln defeated Democratic nominee George B. McClellan, who ran on a platform of peace
  • Freedmen's Bureau established (1865) to provide aid and education to former slaves and poor whites in the South
  • Reconstruction Acts (1867) divided the South into military districts and required states to ratify the 14th Amendment and grant African American men the right to vote

Social and Economic Impact

  • Widespread destruction and devastation in the South due to the war, leaving the region's economy and infrastructure in ruins
  • Emancipation of over 4 million slaves, transforming the social and economic landscape of the South
  • Influx of women into the workforce to support the war effort, challenging traditional gender roles
  • Increased industrialization and modernization in the North, fueled by wartime production and economic growth
  • Bread riots and hardships faced by civilians on the home front due to shortages, inflation, and the loss of loved ones
  • Displacement and migration of both freed slaves and white Southerners seeking new opportunities
  • Rise of the Radical Republicans, who advocated for punitive measures against the South and greater rights for African Americans
  • Establishment of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to provide education and opportunities for African Americans
  • Increased role of the federal government in American life, setting the stage for future debates over states' rights and federal power
  • Economic and social divide between the North and South that persisted long after the war

Reconstruction Policies and Challenges

  • Presidential Reconstruction (1865-1866) under Andrew Johnson aimed to quickly readmit Southern states without significant reforms
  • Black Codes enacted by Southern states to limit the rights and freedoms of African Americans
  • Congressional Reconstruction (1866-1877) led by Radical Republicans aimed to reshape Southern society and protect African American rights
  • Impeachment of Andrew Johnson (1868) for violating the Tenure of Office Act, reflecting the power struggle between the president and Congress
  • 14th Amendment (1868) granted citizenship to all persons born in the U.S. and provided equal protection under the law
  • 15th Amendment (1870) prohibited denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude
  • Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist organizations used violence and intimidation to undermine Reconstruction and African American rights
  • Freedmen's Bureau's limited success in providing aid, education, and legal protection to former slaves
  • Sharecropping and tenant farming emerged as a new form of labor organization in the South, often perpetuating economic inequality
  • Compromise of 1877 ended Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South in exchange for Republican Rutherford B. Hayes assuming the presidency

Legacy and Long-Term Consequences

  • Abolition of slavery and the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which laid the foundation for future civil rights struggles
  • Jim Crow laws and segregation in the South, which institutionalized racial discrimination and inequality for nearly a century
  • Lost Cause mythology, which romanticized the Confederacy and minimized the role of slavery in the Civil War
  • Economic and social disparities between the North and South that persisted well into the 20th century
  • Increased power and scope of the federal government, setting precedents for future expansions of federal authority
  • Emergence of a new industrial economy and the rise of big business in the North
  • Ongoing debates over the interpretation and legacy of the Civil War and Reconstruction
  • Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, which fought to fulfill the promises of emancipation and equal rights
  • Lasting impact on American politics, with the Republican and Democratic parties realigning along regional and ideological lines
  • Continuing discussions about race, inequality, and the unfinished work of Reconstruction in contemporary American society

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Unit 5 of APUSH about?

Unit 5 is Civil War and Reconstruction, 1848–1877. The full Fiveable study guide is at (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-5). You’ll study Manifest Destiny and westward expansion. Then the Mexican‑American War and the Compromise of 1850. Next come rising sectional tensions, the Election of 1860, and secession. The unit covers Civil War military strategy and government policy, including the Emancipation Proclamation. Finally, it examines Reconstruction policies, the 13th–15th Amendments, and why Reconstruction ultimately failed (topics 5.1–5.12). The unit weighs about 10–17% of the AP exam and is typically taught in roughly 19 class periods. Focus on causes and effects of expansion and slavery, the growth of federal power, and changing definitions of citizenship. For targeted review and practice, Fiveable also has practice questions, cheatsheets, and cram videos (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/apush).

What topics are covered in APUSH Unit 5 (Period 5: 1844–1877)?

You’ll find the full Unit 5 topic list at (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-5). Unit 5 (Civil War and Reconstruction, 1848–1877) breaks into 12 topics: contextualizing the period. Manifest Destiny and westward expansion. The Mexican‑American War. The Compromise of 1850. Sectional differences and immigration. Political breakdowns like Kansas‑Nebraska and Dred Scott. The 1860 election and secession. Military conflict in the Civil War. Government policies during the war, including Emancipation. Reconstruction policies and the 13th–15th Amendments. The failure of Reconstruction and its long-term effects. And comparing the Civil War’s impact on American values. These map to College Board key concepts KC‑5.1 through KC‑5.3 and learning objectives 5.1–5.12. For a concise study guide, practice questions, cheatsheets, and cram videos, see Fiveable’s Unit 5 materials.

How much of the APUSH exam is Unit 5?

About 10–17% of the AP U.S. History exam comes from Unit 5 (Civil War and Reconstruction, 1848–1877). Review the unit at (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-5). In practice that means roughly one‑tenth to a bit less than one‑fifth of exam content will draw on Period 5 topics: Manifest Destiny, the Mexican‑American War, sectional conflict, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. The College Board lists Unit 5 as about 19 class periods in the course outline, so prioritize core events, causes, and consequences. Practice making quick period-based connections and timing your responses. For focused review, Fiveable’s Unit 5 study guide, cheatsheets, and cram videos can help you target the most‑tested themes and practice application.

What's the hardest part of APUSH Unit 5?

Many students say Reconstruction is the toughest part — and for good reason. The policies shifted constantly. Presidential vs. congressional plans clashed. Freedom, citizenship, and race relations changed in complicated ways. Keep straight the 13th–15th Amendments, Black Codes, Radical Reconstruction, and institutions like the Freedmen’s Bureau. Also track short‑term gains versus long‑term setbacks, such as political gains for Black Americans versus the rise of Jim Crow. Practice connecting causation and continuity/change for DBQs and LEQs. Work on timelines and compare perspectives: Northern reformers, Southern elites, freedpeople, Republicans, and Democrats. The Unit 5 study guide will help you organize this complexity (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-5).

How long should I study APUSH Unit 5 before the exam?

Aim for about 6–9 focused hours total spread over 1–2 weeks. If you’re cramming, 4–6 hours can work in the last few days. Use the unit guide at (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-5). Break study into 2–3 sessions reviewing major themes: Manifest Destiny, the Mexican‑American War, the Compromise of 1850, sectional conflict, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Add one active practice session with timed MCQs and SAQs. If you have more time, do 30–60 minute daily reviews for two weeks to lock in chronology and cause/effect links. If short on time, prioritize major causes, Reconstruction policies, and timelines, then drill SAQs. For quick practice and review, try Fiveable’s Unit 5 study guide and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/apush).

Where can I find APUSH Unit 5 notes, PDFs, and review guides?

You can find APUSH Unit 5 notes, PDFs, and review guides on Fiveable’s Unit 5 page (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-5). That page covers Unit 5: Civil War and Reconstruction (1848–1877) and links to concise study guides, cheatsheets, and cram videos tailored to topics like Manifest Destiny, the Mexican‑American War, the Compromise of 1850, sectional conflict, and Reconstruction. For how the College Board frames and weights the unit, check the AP U.S. History Course Description (Unit 5: Civil War and Reconstruction), which lists topics 5.1–5.12 and gives the unit a roughly 10–17% exam weighting. If you want extra practice across units, Fiveable’s practice question bank is handy (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/apush).

Are there good APUSH Unit 5 review videos or Heimler videos for this unit?

Heimler’s APUSH videos covering the Civil War and Reconstruction are solid and easy to follow — his YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/c/HeimlerHistory. For a quick, unit-focused crash, try this playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEHRHjICEfDWmb7bduiSCHYnUmYx6r36N. Fiveable’s Unit 5 study guide and cram videos at https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-5 complement Heimler well: Heimler gives big-picture, classroom-style explanations, while Fiveable follows the CED with cheatsheets, targeted reviews, and practice questions that help with recall and FRQ/LEQ prep.

Where can I find APUSH Unit 5 multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and practice tests?

Fiveable has targeted Unit 5 MCQs and practice tests on its Unit 5 page (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-5), plus more questions across the course in its practice bank (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/apush). Unit 5 focuses on Civil War and Reconstruction (1848–1877) and is weighted about 10–17% on the AP exam, so concentrate on causes, major battles and policies, competing Reconstruction plans, and long‑term legacies. The College Board also posts sample exam questions and past free-response questions with scoring guidelines — great for seeing how topics are tested. Fiveable’s unit guide pairs MCQs with explanations, cheatsheets, and cram videos to speed up review of the most-tested concepts.

Is there a timeline or flashcards for APUSH Unit 5 (1844–1877)?

Yes, many students use Quizlet for flashcards — search Quizlet for APUSH Unit 5 sets or make your own focused on dates, amendments, and major laws. For deeper practice beyond flashcards, Fiveable doesn’t offer flashcards but the Unit 5 study guide and cheatsheet act like a compact timeline and topic review (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-5). That guide summarizes key events (Manifest Destiny, the Mexican‑American War, the Compromise of 1850, Civil War, Reconstruction) and Fiveable also has cram videos and a cheatsheet to help with sequence and cause‑and‑effect. For practice tied to the unit, try Fiveable’s practice bank (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/apush).