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The Missouri Compromise
A law prohibiting slavery in the lands of the Louisiana Purchase, north of Missouri's southern boarder. It was important because it was meant to ease the growing tension between the North and the South. -
The Monroe Doctrine
A policy statement created by James Monroe that warned the European powers that they could expect a strong response from the U.S if they interfered with the affairs of any independent nation in North or South America. It was important because it created a structure for American foreign policy. -
Battle of the Alamo
A battle between Texan volunteer soldiers who were occupying a former mission, the Alamo, and a large Mexican force led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. The Alamo's defenders were able to hold their ground for 13 days, a much longer period than expected. The battle was important because to the Texans, it was a symbol of their courageous fight for independence. -
Panic of 1837
An economic disaster resulting from the abrupt closure of a large number of American banks. This was the result of Andrew Jackson's decision to veto the law allowing the Bank of the United States to operate. It was important because it marked the first major depression of the United States. -
Trail of Tears
The journey in which Cherokee Indians were forced to leave their lands east of the Mississippi River and travel to an area in what is now known as Oklahoma. It was important because it created great controversy regarding Andrew Jackson's character. -
Pre-Emption Act
A law that gave squatters the right to purchase up to 160 acres of the land upon which they had settled for only $1.25 per acre before the claim jumpers had a chance to buy it. It was important because it led to acts such as the Homestead Act of 1862, resulting in the establishment of hundreds of thousands of new farms. -
Sutter's Fort
A collection of buildings in the valley east of Fort Ross constructed and utilized by John Augustus Sutter. It was important because it served the needs of the pioneers traveling to California with its workshops, sleeping quarters, storage rooms, and even a distillery. -
US - Mexican War (1846-1848)
A conflict between Mexico and the United States ending with Mexico's loss of present-day California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. It was important because it allowed the U.S to expand westward all the way to the Pacific Ocean. -
Bear Flag Revolt
A revolt by a small group of Californian settlers against the Mexican government, resulting in the declaration of California as an independent republic. During this same time the United States had declared war against Mexico and won, making California a part of The United States, which was the Bear Flaggers ultimate goal. The republic faded away and California joined the Union, with the Bear Flag as the official state flag. The importance of the revolt is that it led to the California flag. -
Compromise of 1850
A series of 5 laws designed to appeal to both sides of the slavery issue. The compromise allowed California into the Union as a free state, banned the slave trade in Washington D.C, allowed people in Utah and New Mexico to decide for themselves if they wanted slavery, and included the Fugitive Slave Law. It is important because it accommodated both pro and anti slavery citizens. -
Fugitive Slave Law
A law that required people and local authorities in the free states to capture and return escaped slaves to their rightful owners and also imposed punishments on those who helped slaves on their journeys to freedom. It was important because it demonstrated the idea in which slaves are merely property, yet also created controversy, especially in the Northern states. -
Gadsden Purchase
A treaty between Mexico and the U.S in which the U.S payed Mexico 10 million dollars for a part of Mexico that is now part of Arizona and New Mexico. It is important because it expanded the U.S, allowing the creation of a new railroad as well as eased tension after the Mexican-American War. -
Bleeding Kansas
A time in which mass violence broke out between pro-slavery people and abolitionists in Kansas after it was stated that the residents of Kansas would choose if it was to be a free or slave state. It was important because it illustrated a great divide between the country. -
Dred Scott Decision
The Supreme Court's decision in which they stated that Dred Scott ( a slave who had filed a lawsuit after his owner had taken him to a place in which slavery was illegal and wanted his freedom granted) had based his case on an unconstitutional law (The Missouri Compromise), therefore it had no worth. It was important because it led to the court declaring that all blacks, slaves or not, were not allowed to be U.S citizens. -
Harper's Ferry
The location of the U.S military arsenal, the target of a group of abolitionists led by John Brown who were ready to attack. The raid was unsuccessful after Brown was captured and later killed. It was important because it created even greater tensions between the North and South leading up to the American Civil War. -
South Carolina
Succeeded December 20, 1860 -
Civil War (1861-1865)
The violent conflict between the Union and the Confederate States of America caused by political, social, and economic differences. It was important because it established Abraham Lincoln as one of the world's greatest leaders and in the end America was able to unite and move past the differences. -
Alabama
Seceded January 11, 1861 -
Mississippi
Seceded January 9, 1861 -
Florida
Seceded January 10, 1861 -
Georgia
seceded January 19, 1861 -
Louisiana
Seceded January 26, 1861 -
Texas
Seceded February 1, 1861 -
Emancipation Proclamation (1862-1863)
A statement written by Abraham Lincoln explaining that in any states still in rebellion by the start of 1863, all slaves will be declared forever free. It was important because it encouraged others to fight for freedom and equality for all men. -
Gettysburg Address
Speech made by Abraham Lincoln at the National Cemetery of Gettysburg. It was important because he discussed the Declaration of Independence and American values such as equality of all men as well as used a hopeful tone regarding America's future. -
Gettsyburg ( i think this means the battle)
Considered the most important battle of the Civil War. It was between the Confederate army lead by General Robert E. Lee and the Union's army. Lee eventually had to withdraw his decimated troops. It was important because it turned the tables of the Civil War in the favor of the Union. -
13th Amendment
Abolished slavery in the United States. It was important because it finally recognized that owning another person is not an act of equality and should no longer occur in America. -
14th amendment
Defines what exactly it means to be a U.S citizen and the rights you are granted through a citizenship clause, due process clause, and an equal protection clause. It is important because it promotes equality for all American citizens so that nothing like slavery will ever occur again. It also was able to put an end to discrimination in the South. -
15th Amendment
Gives the right to vote to all legal U.S citizens regardless of race, gender...etc. It is important because it recognizes that it shouldn't matter how you look to decide whether or not you can have a say in your country's government.