Civil War Vocabulary and Terms

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What does sectionalism mean?

Back

Sectionalism is the division of a country into distinct regions with differing interests and priorities.

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What is an Abolitionist?

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A person who advocates for the abolition of slavery or other practices.

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Who was Frederick Douglass?

Back

Frederick Douglass was a prominent abolitionist and advocate for civil rights.

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What is the Missouri Compromise?

Back

The Missouri Compromise was an 1820 agreement to balance free and slave states, admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state.

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What is the Freeport Doctrine?

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The Freeport Doctrine states that territories can decide on the legality of slavery regardless of federal laws.

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What is the Compromise of 1850?

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The Compromise of 1850 was a set of laws passed to ease tensions over slavery by allowing popular sovereignty in new territories over the question of slavery.

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What is the Fugitive Slave Act?

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The Fugitive Slave Act is a law that required the return of escaped slaves to their owners.

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Why was the Republican Party formed?

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The Republican Party was formed to oppose the expansion of slavery into U.S. territories.

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What was the Dred Scott decision?

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The Dred Scott decision ruled that African Americans could not be citizens and invalidated the Missouri Compromise.

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What was John Brown's raid?

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John Brown's raid was an armed attack on Harpers Ferry to incite a slave rebellion.