Untitled Flashcards

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Kansas-Nebraska Act

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Passed in 1854, this law allowed Kansas and Nebraska territories to decide on the issue of slavery

through popular sovereignty, repealing the Missouri Compromise of 1820.

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Bleeding Kansas

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Following the Kansas-Nebraska Act, pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers flooded Kansas to influence its

vote on slavery, leading to violent clashes from 1854 to 1859. This period of bloodshed and unrest

symbolized the growing national divide over slavery.

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Scott v. Sanford

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The 1857 Supreme Court case ruled that African Americans, free or enslaved, were not American citizens

and had no legal rights. This decision also declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional,

intensifying national tensions over slavery.

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Confederate States of America

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Formed in 1861 by Southern states that seceded from the Union, the Confederacy was led by President

Jefferson Davis and represented states committed to maintaining slavery and states’ rights, leading to

armed conflict with the North.

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Ulysses S. Grant

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was the leading Union general who helped secure victory for the North in the Civil War.

Known for his determination and aggressive tactics, he led successful campaigns in the Western Theater

and later commanded all Union armies, accepting Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House

in 1865.

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Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson

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was one of the South’s most effective and daring generals, serving under

Robert E. Lee. Nicknamed "Stonewall" for his stand at the First Battle of Bull Run, Jackson became

known for his surprise attacks and relentless energy until his death in 1863.

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Fort Sumter:

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The Battle of Fort Sumter, in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, marked the start of the

Civil War in April 1861. Located on an island, the fort’s position made it difficult for Union forces to defend

against Confederate bombardment, forcing its surrender. This Confederate victory escalated tensions,

leading more Southern states to join the Confederacy.

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Antietam:

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The Battle of Antietam, fought near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in September 1862, was the

bloodiest single day in American history. Taking place along Antietam Creek, the battle prevented

Confederate General Robert E. Lee from advancing into the North. The Union’s strategic positioning

along the creek forced a retreat by Lee’s forces, and this Union victory gave President Lincoln the

confidence to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

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March to the Sea:

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Led by Union General William T. Sherman in 1864, this campaign involved a

destructive march from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia. Sherman’s troops destroyed resources, railroads,

and infrastructure to break the Confederacy’s will to continue fighting.

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Anaconda Plan:

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The Union’s military strategy, developed by General Winfield Scott, aimed to "squeeze"

the Confederacy by blockading Southern ports and controlling the Mississippi River. This would cut off

supplies and divide the South, weakening its ability to fight.