AP US History
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5.1 Contextualizing Period 5
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Period 5 represents a critical era when growing sectional tensions over slavery and other issues culminated in the Civil War and Reconstruction. This period was shaped by westward expansion, economic transformation, and social reform movements that set the stage for conflict.
Roots of Sectional Division
Market Revolution (Late 1700s-Mid 1800s)
- Transformed Northern economy through transportation innovations (canals, railroads) and industrialization
- Created urban working class and increased economic opportunities
- Widened gap between North and South as Northern economy increasingly relied on free labor
Antebellum Reform Movements (1820-1860)
- Emerged after Second Great Awakening with goal to improve society
- Key movements included:
- Temperance Movement - aimed to reduce alcohol consumption
- Women's Rights Movement - highlighted by 1848 Seneca Falls Convention
- Abolitionism - advocated end to slavery (most consequential for Period 5)
- Public School Movement - established tax-funded education systems
- Utopian Communities - experimental societies based on ideals of equality
Manifest Destiny and Expansion
- Belief that America's mission was to expand across the continent
- Justified territorial acquisitions and settlement of western lands
- Led to conflicts with Mexico, resulting in Mexican-American War (1846-1848)
- Raised questions about slavery in newly acquired territories
Growing North-South Tensions
- Economic differences: Northern free labor vs. Southern slavery-based agriculture
- Ideological differences over slavery:
- Northern abolitionists: moral opposition, assistance to escapees
- Southern defenders: viewed slavery as protected by Constitution and beneficial
- Free-soil movement opposed expansion of slavery into new territories
- Immigration (primarily from Ireland and Germany) changed Northern demographics
- Anti-Catholic nativist movements emerged in response to immigration
Path to Conflict
- Expansion raised questions about rights for Native Americans, African Americans, women
- Debates about slavery in new territories intensified in 1850s
- Regional differences became increasingly difficult to reconcile
- Presidential election of 1860 exposed deep divisions, leading to Southern secession
Period 5 culminated in the most devastating conflict in American history, testing the nation's resilience and fundamentally reshaping American society. The period ended with Reconstruction efforts that attempted to redefine citizenship and equality, though many of these efforts would be undermined in subsequent decades.
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Key Terms to Review (42)
18th Amendment: The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1919, established the prohibition of alcohol, making it illegal to manufacture, sell, or transport intoxicating liquors. This amendment was a significant legal shift driven by the temperance movement and aimed to improve societal morals and public health, but it also led to unintended consequences such as the rise of organized crime and speakeasies.
14th and 15th Amendments: The 14th and 15th Amendments are critical components of the Reconstruction Amendments to the United States Constitution, aimed at establishing and protecting the civil rights of former slaves after the Civil War. The 14th Amendment granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and guaranteed equal protection under the law, while the 15th Amendment prohibited the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Together, these amendments were designed to secure the legal rights of African Americans and reshape American democracy.
Abraham Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. He is best known for leading the nation through the Civil War, preserving the Union, and abolishing slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation and the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment.
Abolitionist Movement: The Abolitionist Movement was a social and political campaign aimed at ending slavery and the slave trade, primarily in the United States, during the 19th century. It emerged as a response to the moral and ethical implications of slavery, driving significant political change and social reform.
Annexation of Texas: The Annexation of Texas refers to the incorporation of the Republic of Texas into the United States as its 28th state in 1845. This event was a significant milestone in the expansion of U.S. territory and directly tied to the ideologies of expansionism and nationalism, contributing to rising tensions between the U.S. and Mexico, and setting the stage for subsequent conflicts.
Amana Colonies: The Amana Colonies were a group of communal settlements in Iowa founded by German immigrants in the mid-19th century, adhering to a religious sect known as the True Inspiration. These colonies were notable for their unique social structure, emphasizing collective ownership and a simple lifestyle, reflecting the broader context of religious and social movements during this period.
American Civil War: The American Civil War was a conflict fought from 1861 to 1865 between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states that seceded from the Union (the Confederacy). This war arose primarily from tensions over slavery, states' rights, and sectionalism, ultimately leading to significant political, social, and economic changes in the United States.
Antebellum Reform Movements: Antebellum Reform Movements refer to a series of social and political campaigns that emerged in the United States during the early to mid-19th century, aimed at addressing various societal issues and promoting social change. These movements included efforts related to abolition, women's rights, education reform, temperance, and prison reform, reflecting a growing belief in the potential for human improvement and the perfectibility of society. The period leading up to the Civil War was characterized by a fervent spirit of activism inspired by religious revivals and an emerging sense of individual responsibility.
California Gold Rush: The California Gold Rush was a mass migration of an estimated 300,000 people to California between 1848 and 1855 after gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in Coloma. This event significantly influenced the westward expansion of the United States, spurring economic growth and cultural exchange, while also intensifying conflicts over land and resources.
Civil War: The Civil War was a brutal conflict fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865, primarily over issues of slavery and states' rights. This war not only pitted the Northern states (the Union) against the Southern states (the Confederacy) but also reshaped the nation's political, social, and economic landscape, leading to significant changes in American society.
Confederate States of America: The Confederate States of America (CSA) was a collection of 11 Southern states that seceded from the United States from 1860 to 1861, primarily over the issues of slavery and states' rights. Formed in response to the election of Abraham Lincoln, the CSA sought to establish itself as a separate nation, which ultimately led to the American Civil War. The Confederacy's existence marked a significant turning point in U.S. history, highlighting deep-seated regional tensions and the failure of compromises to maintain unity.
Election of 1860: The Election of 1860 was a pivotal presidential election in the United States that showcased deep national divisions primarily over the issue of slavery. The election resulted in the victory of Abraham Lincoln, which triggered a series of events leading to the secession of Southern states and ultimately the Civil War. The election highlighted the increasing sectional conflict between the North and South, setting the stage for transformative changes in American society.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton: Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a leading figure in the early women's rights movement in the United States, best known for her role in organizing the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 and for advocating for women's suffrage. Her activism and writings, particularly the Declaration of Sentiments, highlighted the inequalities faced by women and sought to challenge societal norms, connecting her work to a broader wave of reform movements aimed at promoting social justice and equality.
Expansionist Foreign Policies: Expansionist foreign policies refer to the strategic approach adopted by nations to extend their influence and control beyond their borders, often through military conquest, colonization, or diplomatic means. These policies reflect a nation's ambition to acquire new territories and resources, as well as to increase its global power and prestige, which was particularly evident during the 19th century in the context of rising nationalism and imperialism.
Frederick Douglass: Frederick Douglass was a prominent African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman who escaped from slavery and became a leading voice in the fight for the rights of African Americans. His powerful speeches and writings emphasized the need for equality and justice, making significant contributions to the movements advocating for abolition, women's rights, and civil rights.
Hawaii: Hawaii is a volcanic archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean that became the 50th state of the United States in 1959. Its strategic location and rich resources made it a focal point for American imperial ambitions, as well as a key player in international politics and military strategy throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Harriet Tubman: Harriet Tubman was an African American abolitionist and political activist born into slavery who escaped and subsequently made over 13 missions to rescue around 70 enslaved people using the Underground Railroad. She is a significant figure in the struggle for freedom and equality, especially during the early republic era, highlighting the resilience and agency of African Americans in their fight against oppression.
Horace Mann: Horace Mann was an American educational reformer known as the 'Father of the American Public School System.' He advocated for universal public education and believed that education was essential for democracy and social equality. Mann's ideas helped shape the modern education system in the United States, making education more accessible and organized during a time of significant social reform.
Indian Removal era: The Indian Removal era refers to the period in the early to mid-19th century when the U.S. government implemented policies to forcibly relocate Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands, primarily in the Southeastern United States, to designated territories west of the Mississippi River. This era is marked by significant legislation, including the Indian Removal Act of 1830, and resulted in widespread suffering, loss of life, and cultural dislocation among Native American communities.
John O'Sullivan: John O'Sullivan was an American journalist and editor in the 19th century, best known for coining the phrase 'Manifest Destiny.' This term encapsulated the belief that it was the United States' divine right and destiny to expand its territory across North America, which significantly influenced American politics and expansionist ideology.
John Brown: John Brown was an abolitionist who believed in the use of violence to overthrow the institution of slavery in the United States. He is best known for his raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859, where he attempted to initiate a slave uprising, highlighting the growing tensions and conflicts between the North and South over slavery.
Manifest Destiny: Manifest Destiny is the 19th-century belief that it was the divine right and destiny of the United States to expand its territory across the North American continent. This idea not only justified westward expansion but also influenced the nation's political, social, and cultural development during this period.
Market Revolution: The Market Revolution refers to the dramatic change in the economy of the United States during the early 19th century, characterized by a shift from subsistence farming and local economies to a more market-oriented economy driven by industrialization, transportation improvements, and increased commerce. This transformation had widespread social, cultural, and economic impacts, connecting various regions of the country and reshaping everyday life.
Mexican-American War: The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily over territorial disputes following the U.S. annexation of Texas. This war resulted in significant land gains for the United States, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.
National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA): The National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) was founded in 1869 by prominent activists Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton to advocate for women's right to vote in the United States. This organization played a crucial role in the broader women's suffrage movement, focusing on securing a constitutional amendment that would guarantee women the right to vote and working tirelessly to educate the public about women's rights.
Native Americans, African Americans, and women rights debates: The debates surrounding Native Americans, African Americans, and women’s rights encompass the various discussions and movements aimed at addressing the rights and social status of these marginalized groups in American society. These debates arose from the historical context of oppression, discrimination, and the fight for equality, reflecting the broader struggle for civil rights and social justice throughout American history.
North vs South debates over slavery: The North vs South debates over slavery were a series of political, social, and economic discussions and conflicts during the 19th century that focused on the institution of slavery in the United States. These debates became a critical factor leading to the Civil War, highlighting the stark differences between the industrialized North, which opposed the expansion of slavery, and the agrarian South, which relied on slave labor for its economy. The arguments surrounding slavery not only shaped regional identities but also influenced national policies and moral attitudes.
Oneida Community: The Oneida Community was a religious and social movement founded in the 1840s by John Humphrey Noyes in Oneida, New York. This community aimed to create a utopian society based on perfectionism, where members practiced communal living, shared property, and embraced complex marriage, challenging traditional norms and reflecting the broader reform movements of the time.
Prohibition laws: Prohibition laws were legal measures enacted to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States from 1920 to 1933. These laws, particularly encapsulated in the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act, aimed to eliminate alcohol consumption and its associated social problems, but instead led to a rise in organized crime and illegal speakeasies.
Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the Caribbean, originally acquired from Spain following the Spanish-American War in 1898. Its status has made it a focal point for discussions on colonialism, American identity, and the role of the U.S. in global affairs.
Public School Movement: The Public School Movement was an initiative in the 19th century aimed at establishing a system of free, publicly funded schools to provide education to all children, regardless of their social status or wealth. This movement sought to create a more educated populace, promote civic virtue, and reduce social inequalities by ensuring that education was accessible to everyone. The movement also coincided with broader reform efforts aimed at improving society through various social justice initiatives.
Reconstruction: Reconstruction was a period in American history from 1865 to 1877 aimed at reintegrating the Southern states after the Civil War and defining the new rights of freed slaves. This era was marked by significant political, social, and economic changes, as the nation struggled to heal and redefine itself in the aftermath of conflict and slavery.
Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education: The Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education is a key official responsible for overseeing public education in Massachusetts, playing a vital role in shaping educational policies and practices. This position emerged during a time when education reform was becoming increasingly important, especially in promoting universal public education and addressing the needs of a growing population. The Secretary's influence extends to curriculum development, teacher training, and ensuring educational access for all students in the state.
Seneca Falls Convention of 1848: The Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 was the first women's rights convention held in the United States, marking a pivotal moment in the early women's suffrage movement. It was organized by activists Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, where they gathered to discuss the social, civil, and religious rights of women. The convention produced the Declaration of Sentiments, which outlined grievances and demanded equality for women, setting the stage for future advocacy and reform.
Shakers: The Shakers were a religious sect founded in the 18th century in England and later established in America, known for their communal living, celibacy, and distinctive craftsmanship. They played a significant role in shaping American culture through their innovative approaches to agriculture, design, and social reform, emphasizing simplicity and equality.
Susan B. Anthony: Susan B. Anthony was a prominent American social reformer and women's rights activist who played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement in the United States during the 19th century. She was instrumental in advocating for women's right to vote and worked tirelessly to promote equality and justice, becoming a symbol of the struggle for women's rights.
Temperance Movement: The Temperance Movement was a social and political campaign advocating for the reduction or prohibition of alcohol consumption, particularly prominent in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement emerged as a response to the negative impacts of alcohol on society, including crime, poverty, and family disintegration, and it played a significant role in broader reform efforts during this period.
Utopian Communities Movement: The Utopian Communities Movement refers to a series of social experiments in the early to mid-19th century aimed at creating ideal societies based on various philosophical, religious, or communal principles. These communities sought to improve societal conditions through collective living, sharing of resources, and the pursuit of a more equitable and harmonious existence. The movement reflects broader themes of reform, idealism, and the quest for social justice during a time of rapid change in America.
William Lloyd Garrison: William Lloyd Garrison was a prominent American abolitionist, journalist, and social reformer best known for his influential newspaper, The Liberator, which advocated for the immediate emancipation of enslaved people. His fervent beliefs in equality and social justice connected with various reform movements during the early to mid-19th century, reflecting the broader context of social change and moral awakening that defined that era.
Women's Temperance Movement: The Women's Temperance Movement was a social movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that aimed to curb alcohol consumption and promote temperance, often linking the fight against alcohol to broader issues such as women's rights and social reform. This movement highlighted the negative effects of alcohol on families and society, rallying women to advocate for change through various means, including grassroots organizing, education, and political action.
Women's Rights Movement: The Women's Rights Movement was a social and political movement aimed at achieving equal rights and opportunities for women, advocating for issues such as suffrage, education, and labor rights. It emerged in the 19th century, influenced by broader social reform movements and a growing awareness of gender inequalities.
Women's Christian Temperance Union: The Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was a prominent women's organization founded in 1874 that advocated for the prohibition of alcohol and promoted social reform through a Christian lens. The WCTU was significant not only for its focus on temperance but also for its involvement in various social issues, including women's suffrage and labor rights, thus becoming a vital part of the reform movements during the Gilded Age.