Apush Period 5 Study Guide

APUSH Period 5 Study Guide: 1844-1877 - A Nation Divided and Reforged

This comprehensive study guide covers AP US History Period 5, spanning the tumultuous years from 1844 to 1877. This era witnessed the rise of sectionalism, culminating in the Civil War and Reconstruction. Understanding this period requires grasping the complex interplay of political, social, economic, and cultural forces that shaped the nation's identity. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and context needed to succeed on the APUSH exam.

I. Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion (1844-1860)

This period witnessed the aggressive expansion of the United States westward, fueled by the ideology of Manifest Destiny. This belief, popularized in the 1840s, asserted the divinely ordained right of the US to expand its dominion across the North American continent. Several key events and themes shaped this era:

• The Mexican-American War (1846-1848): Triggered by disputes over Texas's annexation and the border with Mexico, this war resulted in a decisive American victory and the acquisition of vast territories, including California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming. This expansion reignited the debate over slavery's expansion into these new territories.

• The Compromise of 1850: Attempting to appease both North and South, this compromise admitted California as a free state, strengthened the Fugitive Slave Act, and organized the Utah and New Mexico territories with popular sovereignty (allowing residents to decide on slavery). It temporarily eased tensions but ultimately failed to resolve the fundamental conflict over slavery.

• The Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854): This act repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, allowing for popular sovereignty in Kansas and Nebraska. This led to "Bleeding Kansas," a period of violent conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers, highlighting the increasingly volatile situation.

• The Dred Scott Decision (1857): The Supreme Court's decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford declared that enslaved people were not citizens and had no right to sue in federal court. Furthermore, the Court ruled that Congress lacked the power to prohibit slavery in the territories, effectively nullifying the Missouri Compromise. This decision further inflamed sectional tensions and galvanized the abolitionist movement.

• The Election of 1860: The election of Abraham Lincoln, a Republican opposed to the expansion of slavery, proved to be the final catalyst for the secession of Southern states. Southern Democrats feared that Lincoln's administration would threaten their way of life and economic interests dependent on enslaved labor.

II. The Civil War (1861-1865)

The secession of South Carolina in December 1860, followed by six other states forming the Confederate States of America, marked the beginning of the Civil War. This conflict, fought over slavery, states' rights, and economic differences, resulted in immense loss of life and profoundly reshaped the nation.

• Key Battles and Strategies: Understanding the major battles—Fort Sumter, Antietam, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Sherman's March to the Sea—and the Union's strategies of Anaconda Plan and total war is crucial. Analyze the significance of these battles in shifting the momentum of the war.

• The Emancipation Proclamation (1863): Issued by President Lincoln, this proclamation declared the freedom of enslaved people in Confederate-held territories. While initially a military strategy aimed at weakening the Confederacy, it transformed the war into a fight for emancipation and fundamentally altered its moral purpose.

• The Role of African Americans: African Americans played a crucial role in the war, both as soldiers in the Union army and as laborers supporting the war effort. Their contributions were essential to the Union's victory. The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, composed of African American soldiers, became a symbol of courage and resistance.

• Wartime Economics and Society: The war drastically altered the economies of both the North and South. The Union's industrial capacity allowed it to outproduce the Confederacy, while the South's agrarian economy suffered greatly. The war also impacted social structures, leading to increased mobilization of women in both the North and South.

III. Reconstruction (1865-1877)

The period following the Civil War, known as Reconstruction, aimed to rebuild the South and reintegrate it into the Union. This era was marked by significant political, social, and economic changes, but also by intense racial conflict and ultimately, unresolved issues.

• Presidential Reconstruction (1865-1869): President Andrew Johnson's lenient policies towards the South were met with opposition from Radical Republicans in Congress who sought more stringent measures to protect the rights of formerly enslaved people. Johnson's impeachment trial reflects the deep divisions within the nation.

• Congressional Reconstruction (1869-1877): Radical Republicans dominated Congress and implemented policies aimed at securing civil rights for African Americans, including the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. These amendments abolished slavery, granted citizenship and equal protection under the law, and guaranteed the right to vote regardless of race.

• The Rise of Black Politics: African Americans played a significant role in Reconstruction politics, holding office at local, state, and even national levels. Figures like Hiram Revels and Blanche K. Bruce became prominent senators.

• Resistance to Reconstruction: White Southerners resisted Reconstruction through violence, intimidation, and the formation of groups like the Ku Klux Klan, aiming to suppress black political participation and maintain white supremacy.

• The Compromise of 1877: This informal agreement effectively ended Reconstruction, marking the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. This resulted in the abandonment of many of the gains made by African Americans during Reconstruction and ushered in an era of Jim Crow laws and segregation.

IV. Key Figures and Their Roles

Understanding the contributions and actions of key figures is vital for a complete understanding of this period. This includes:

• Abraham Lincoln: His leadership during the Civil War and his commitment to preserving the Union were pivotal. His assassination left the nation grappling with the challenges of Reconstruction.

• Jefferson Davis: President of the Confederacy, he led the South's efforts during the Civil War.

• Ulysses S. Grant: Union General and later President, his military victories were crucial to the Union's success. His presidency, however, was marred by corruption and scandals.

• Andrew Johnson: His presidential Reconstruction policies clashed with those of Congress, leading to conflict and impeachment proceedings.

• Frederick Douglass: A powerful abolitionist and advocate for black rights, he played a significant role in Reconstruction.

• W.E.B. Du Bois: Though his major contributions came later, understanding his later analysis of Reconstruction within a broader context of race relations in the United States is beneficial.

V. Economic Transformations

The period witnessed significant economic changes, including:

• Industrialization in the North: The war stimulated industrial growth in the North, laying the groundwork for future economic expansion.

• The Destruction of the Southern Economy: The Civil War devastated the Southern economy, particularly its reliance on enslaved labor and agriculture. Reconstruction efforts aimed to rebuild the South, but faced immense challenges.

• The Rise of Corporations: The post-war era saw the emergence of large corporations and the consolidation of industrial power.

VI. Social and Cultural Changes

This period witnessed profound social and cultural changes:

• The Abolitionist Movement: The fight to end slavery was a defining feature of the era, leading to significant social and political changes.

• The Women's Rights Movement: While intertwined with the abolitionist movement, women's rights activists continued to fight for suffrage and equality.

• The Emergence of New Identities: The war and Reconstruction fostered the development of new identities for African Americans and other groups.

VII. Foreign Policy

While the focus was primarily domestic, the US's foreign policy during this period involved maintaining neutrality during the Civil War and navigating relationships with European powers.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What were the main causes of the Civil War? The main causes were slavery, states' rights, and economic differences between the North and South.

• What were the key turning points of the Civil War? Gettysburg and Vicksburg are often cited as key turning points, marking shifts in momentum in favor of the Union.

• What were the successes and failures of Reconstruction? Successes included the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments and the temporary expansion of black political participation. Failures include the ultimate failure to secure lasting racial equality and the resurgence of white supremacy in the South.

• How did the Civil War impact the American economy? It stimulated industrial growth in the North while devastating the Southern economy.

• What is the legacy of Reconstruction? The legacy of Reconstruction is complex and continues to shape American society today, particularly regarding race relations and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

IX. Conclusion

APUSH Period 5 covers a pivotal era in American history. By understanding the complex interplay of political, social, economic, and cultural forces, you can effectively analyze the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Mastering this period requires a thorough understanding of key events, figures, and their interconnectedness. This study guide provides a strong foundation for your exam preparation. Remember to utilize primary and secondary sources, practice analyzing historical documents, and develop your essay-writing skills to achieve success on the APUSH exam. Good luck!