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Missouri Compromise
With the exception of Missouri, this law prohibited slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36*30' latitude line. It was later ruled unconstitutional in the Dred Scott Decision, in which the Supreme Court ruled that Congress did not have the power to prohibit slavery in the territories.
Missouri Compromise: Primary Documents in American History -
"54-40 or Fight"
This was James K. Polk's popular slogan that helped him win the presidential election of 1844. The "54-40" in the slogan is referring to the northern boundary of the Oregon territory, which Polk wanted to obtain all of. He used this slogan to gain many supporters who believed in Manifest Destiny, leading him to an unlikely victory. However, in 1846, Polk agreed to split the territory with Britain at the 49th parallel.
54 40 or Fight -
Texas Annexation
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Wilmot Proviso
This is David Wilmot's proposal to Congress regarding slavery. In his proposal, Wilmot declared that there should not be slavery in any lands ceded by Mexico. This may come off as an act of him being opposed to slavery, but actually he only wanted Pennsylvanians to be able to work without the competition of slave labor. The House of Representatives passed Wilmot's Proviso several times, but the Senate wouldn't allow it to become a law
<a href='http://www.ushistory.org/us/30a.asp' >Wimot's Provis -
Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo
This treaty officially ended the US war with Mexico on February 2nd, 1848. The treaty was signed in Guadalupe Hidalgo, which is how the document recieved its name. Under the terms of the treaty, Mexico ceded Upper Cali and New Mexico. In addition, Mexico relinquished all claims to Texas and was paid $15 million. Also, protection of property and civil rights were given to Mexican nationals living inside the US.
<a href='http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/guadalupe-hidalgo/' >Treaty of Guad -
Compromise of 1850
Henry Clay introduced these resolutions in order to avoid a conflict between the North and the South. The two big parts of the compromise included the very strict Fugitive Slave Law being amended and the outlawing of the slave trade in D.C. This also included Californina entering the Union as a free state and the settlement of a border dispute between Texas and NM.
Loc.Gov -
Gadsden Purchase
Loc.Gov' >Office of the Historian</a>The Gadsden Purchase was finalized in 1854. This allowed the US to buy around 30,000 acres of land from Mexico for $10 million. Not only did it provide land for a railroad, but also it got rid of sour feelings left after the US-Mexican War. -
Republican Party Founded
US HistoryThis party has kept its name over the last 150+ years." The Republican Party name was christened in an editorial written by New York newspaper magnate Horace Greeley." The Reupblican Party contorlled the majority of the House of Reps. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
This act repealed the Missouri Compromise so instead of slavery not being allowed above the 36* 30' lattitude, it was to be decided by popular sovereignty. After it passed, violence erupted in the land.
Loc.Gov -
Brooks-Sumner Incident
After Charles Sumner gave a speech on abolishing slavery in the US, which included bashing people and specifically Brooks' uncle, Preston Brooks went into the Senate Chamber and repeatedly hit Sumner with a cane. Brooks was not stopped though, because Congressman Keitt was " weilding a pistol and shouting.". Brooks was so brutal that the cane shattered and he could not beat Sumner with it anymore.
History Engine -
Harper's Ferry Raid
This was the unsuccessful attempt at starting a slave rebellion by the madman John Brown. Brown busted into Harpers Ferry and tried to get the slaves to start a rebellion but they were smart enough not to.
civilwar.org -
Election of 1860
Although Lincoln won this election, he only recieved 40% of the popular vote and 180 electoral votes, just enough for him to secure the victory. Lincoln's victory enraged the South, SC specifically who seceded after his winning of the election
UShistory.org -
Firing on Ft. Sumter
General Beauregard opened fire on the Union garrison holding Fort Sumter. This was after the secession of South Carolina due to Lincoln's Presidential Election.
civilwar.org -
First Battle of Bull Run
This was the first major land battle of the armies in VA. There was an estimated 4878 casualties, the mojority coming from the Union. After the Union loss, Irving McDowell was relieved of his postion, and for good reason. Lincoln knew the war would be costly, and he wanted a better commander of his army.
civilwar.org -
Monitor v. Merrimack
Although the this was the first battle between "steam-powered, ironclad warships", it ended in a draw. But the impact of this naval engagement would have a huge effect on future naval warfare. This was really a remarkable battle because for the first time you're seeing huge ironclad ships that were scary compared to the other ships.
Battle of Hampton Roads -
Unlce Tom's Cabin
This novel, by Harriet Beecher Stowe, forever changed the American view of slavery. The novel was a best-seller in the US, Britain, Europe, and Asia and it was translated into 60 different languages. The novel demanded that slavery be abolished and showed how big of an issue it really was
Harriet Beecher Stowe Center -
Battle of Antietam
The bloodiest single day in American military history ended in a draw, but the Confederate retreat gave Abraham Lincoln the “victory” he desired before issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. Estimated casualties total 22,717 soldiers. The battle drove Genereal Lee's forces from Maryland
civilwar.org -
Battle of Gettysburg
civilwar.orgThis was Lee's second attempt at invading the North, which also resulted in a failure. This time, the Confederacy lost the most men. Many men were killed in what is called "Pickett's Charge" which was when Lee attacked the Union center on Cemetery Ridge. Total casualties estimated reach over an astonishing 51,000 -
Sherman's March
Sherman's March or Sherman's March to the Sea was the most destructive campaign against a civilian population during the whole Civil War. The march was successful in proving a point to the South that their Gov't could not stop invaders from coming into their territory and hurting them. Sherman left many chimneys of burnt down houses which were called"Sherman sentinels"
Georgia Encyclopedia -
Appomattox Court House
This was Lee's last attempt to escape the Union and get to his supplies in Lynchburg. The union army, however, stopped this attempt and surrounded Lee's army on 3 sides. Lee surrendered to Grant(both are relatives of mine) and ended the Civil War
Civilwar.org
