Abolition and Pre-Civil War America

What were the Confederate States of America?

• A group of Southern states that seceded from the Union in 1860–61, forming their own government in defense of slavery.

• A coalition of Northern states that fought against the British Empire.

• A series of territories in the West that sought independence from the United States.

• An alliance of European countries during the American Civil War.

Who was Millard Fillmore?

• A president who served after Taylor’s death and supported the Compromise of 1850, enforcing the Fugitive Slave Act.

• A famous abolitionist who fought against slavery in the 19th century.

• A military general who led Union forces during the Civil War.

• A senator known for his opposition to the Compromise of 1850.

How did the North and South react to the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

• The North supported the act while the South opposed it.

• Both the North and South were indifferent to the act.

• The North largely opposed the act because it opened new territories to the possibility of slavery, while the South supported it as a way to expand slavery.

• The South opposed the act due to concerns about the balance of power.

What was the Underground Railroad?

• A system of railroads used for transporting goods across the country.

• A secret network of routes and safe houses that helped enslaved people escape to free states and Canada, supported by abolitionists and free African Americans.

• A government program to relocate Native Americans to reservations.

• A series of underground tunnels used for smuggling during the Civil War.

How did US presidents handle national issues in the 1850s?

• They ignored the slavery issue entirely.

• They mostly tried to compromise or appease both sides of the slavery issue but often ended up deepening divisions, contributing to the outbreak of civil war.

• They took a strong stance against slavery and pushed for immediate abolition.

• They focused on economic issues and left social issues to the states.

How did the southern states react to the presidential election of 1860?

• They supported Lincoln's victory and sought to work with him.

• They seceded after Lincoln's victory, believing he would restrict or abolish slavery.

• They remained neutral and did not take any action.

• They organized a campaign to promote their way of life.

What was the purpose of the raid on Harper’s Ferry, VA?

• To start a slave uprising by seizing a federal arsenal

• To establish a new state for freed slaves

• To protest against the Fugitive Slave Act

• To create a safe haven for runaway slaves

Who was Preston Brooks?

• A pro-slavery congressman from South Carolina who attacked Charles Sumner with a cane, praised in the South and condemned in the North.

• A famous abolitionist who fought against slavery in the North.

• A senator from Massachusetts known for his speeches against the South.

• A military general who led Union forces during the Civil War.

Who were the Free-Soilers?

• A political group that supported the expansion of slavery into western territories.

• A party that wanted land to be free for white laborers and opposed the expansion of slavery.

• A movement advocating for the rights of enslaved people in the South.

• A coalition of Northern Democrats and Southern Republicans.

What was Lecompton, KS known for?

• The pro-slavery capital of Kansas Territory, with its controversial pro-slavery constitution rejected by Congress.

• A major abolitionist stronghold during the Civil War.

• The birthplace of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

• A significant railroad hub in the 19th century.