Causes of the Civil War Key Events and Figures

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Missouri Compromise

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An agreement in 1820 between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the United States concerning the extension of slavery into new territories. It allowed Maine to join as a free state and Missouri as a slave state, with a line across Missouri's southern border designating future free states.

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36' 30"

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Henry Clay

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Known as the great compromiser for his ability to always come up with a solution. He created the Missouri Compromise and helped to end the Nullification Crisis by suggesting the government lower the tariff.

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nullify

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To declare invalid; to make of no value or consequence, cancel, wipe out.

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Tariff

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Tax on imported goods.

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John C. Calhoun

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Former vice president, leader of South Carolina nullifiers, and bitter enemy of Andrew Jackson.

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Andrew Jackson

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7th President of the United States. He objected to the right of individual states to nullify disagreeable federal laws and increased presidential powers.

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States Rights

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Idea that states have the right to limit the power of the federal government.

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secede

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To withdraw from membership in a group or organization.

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Manifest Destiny

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The belief that America had the God-given right and duty to expand across the continent and spread democracy from sea to sea.