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Manifest destiny
A belief that the U.S should expand across North America. This is important because it was used to justify US expansion. -
Mexican War 1846-47
A war between the US and Mexican. This is important because it allowed the US to expand in territory. -
Gold rush
A rush of people trying to find gold and migrated to the west. This is important because it caused a mass migration. -
Free-soil movement
A short lived political party. This is important because they opposed the expansion of slavery. -
Compromise of 1850
A package of bills trying to settle tensions between slave states and free states. This is important because it decided the status of newly acquired states. -
Fugitive Slave Law
A law regarding runaway slaves. This is important because it was a compromise over slavery. -
Ostend Manifesto 1852
A proposal to change foreign policy to try and seize Cuba. This is important because it brought up debates about the role of the US internationally. -
Gadsden Purchase
A purchase that gave the US more territory. This is important because it was used to help build the transcontinental railroad. -
Kanagawa Treaty
A treaty between the US and Japan. This is important because it opened up limited trade between the nations. -
KS-NE Act 1854
An act that created Kansas and Nebraska. This is important because it mandated popular sovereignty. -
Pottawatomie Creek
A massacre involving slavery by John Brown and a band of abolitionists. This is important because it brought about debates over slavery. -
Panic of 1857
A panic caused by a failing international economy. This is important because it was the first worldwide economic crisis. -
Lecompton Constitution
A proposition in the constitution of Kansas, it wanted to keep slavery. This is important because it shows the push of some groups to keep slavery. -
Morrill Tariff Act 1861
A law that raised tariffs. This is important because it encouraged domestic industry. -
Homestead Act 1862
A series of laws that allowed people to get property belonging to the government or in public domain. This is important because it facilitated westward expansion. -
Pacific Railway Act 1862
Laws that tried to promote the construction of the transcontinental railroad. This is important because it would allow for easier transportation and economic opportunities. -
Morrill Land Grant Act
A law creating land-grant colleges. This is important because it opened the door for people to learn new skills. -
Civil Rights Act 1866
A law defining citizenship and protecting citizens. This is important because it tried to protect the citizens of the US -
Panic of 1873
A financial crisis causing a depression. This is important because it shows the effects of over industry. -
Civil Rights Act 1875
A law giving African-Americans more rights. This is important because it tried to promote equality.
