Causes of the Civil War Key Events and Figures

Front

Missouri Compromise

Back

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.

Front

36' 30"

Back

Line designated as the future boundary between free and slave territories under the Missouri Compromise.

Front

Henry Clay

Back

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.

Front

nullify

Back

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

Front

Tariff

Back

Tax on imported goods.

Front

John C. Calhoun

Back

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

Front

Andrew Jackson

Back

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

Front

States Rights

Back

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

Front

secede

Back

To withdraw from membership in a group or organization.

Front

Manifest Destiny

Back

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