Civil War Flashcard 1 2025

Front

What was the main issue addressed by the Northwest Ordinance?

Back

Slavery in newly created states

Answer explanation

The Northwest Ordinance primarily addressed the issue of slavery in newly created states by prohibiting it in the Northwest Territory, setting a precedent for future states and shaping the debate over slavery in America.

Front

What did the Missouri Compromise of 1820 establish?

Back

Maine as a free state and 36°30' line

Answer explanation

The Missouri Compromise of 1820 established Maine as a free state and created the 36°30' line, which divided free and slave territories. This was a key measure to maintain the balance between free and slave states.

Front

What was the significance of the Wilmot Proviso of 1846?

Back

It aimed to prohibit slavery in territories acquired from Mexico unless punishment for convicted crime

Answer explanation

The Wilmot Proviso of 1846 sought to ban slavery in territories gained from Mexico, highlighting the growing sectional conflict over slavery in the U.S. It did not address women's rights or the Missouri Compromise.

Front

What event sped up the populating of California in 1849?

Back

Discovery of gold

Answer explanation

The discovery of gold in California in 1848 led to the Gold Rush of 1849, attracting thousands of prospectors and settlers, which significantly accelerated the population growth in the region.

Front

What did the Compromise of 1850 allow Utah and New Mexico territories to do?

Back

Decide the issue of slavery by popular sovereignty

Answer explanation

The Compromise of 1850 allowed the Utah and New Mexico territories to decide the issue of slavery through popular sovereignty, meaning the settlers could vote on whether to allow slavery.

Front

What did the Fugitive Slave Law require?

Back

Northern states to forcibly return escaped slaves to their owners in the South

Answer explanation

The Fugitive Slave Law mandated that Northern states must forcibly return escaped slaves to their Southern owners, reinforcing the institution of slavery and limiting the freedom of escaped individuals.

Front

What was the 'gag rule' in Congress?

Back

An agreement between Northern and Southern Congressmen not to discuss the issue of slavery

Answer explanation

The 'gag rule' was an agreement between Northern and Southern Congressmen to avoid discussing slavery in Congress, aiming to prevent conflict over the contentious issue.

Front

What was John Brown's Raid in 1859?

Back

An attack on a federal arsenal to seize weapons for slaves

Answer explanation

John Brown's Raid in 1859 was an attack on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, aimed at seizing weapons to arm enslaved people in a revolt against slavery, making it a significant event in the abolitionist movement.

Front

What led to the emergence of the Republican Party?

Back

Bleeding Kansas

Answer explanation

Bleeding Kansas was a series of violent confrontations between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the Kansas Territory. This conflict highlighted the divisions over slavery and directly contributed to the formation of the Republican Party in 1854.

Front

What was the impact of the Dred Scott ruling on citizenship?

Back

It declared slaves as property, not citizens

Answer explanation

The Dred Scott ruling declared that slaves were property and not citizens, denying them legal rights and protections. This decision reinforced the status of enslaved individuals as non-citizens in the eyes of the law.