Period 5 spans 1844 to 1877, focusing on sectionalism, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. It begins with rising tensions over slavery and ends with Reconstruction’s conclusion, shaping the nation’s identity and unresolved racial conflicts;
1.1 Overview of the Time Period
APUSH Period 5 (1844-1877) covers a transformative era marked by rising sectionalism, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. It begins with the heightened tensions over slavery and westward expansion, culminating in the Civil War (1861-1865). The war resulted in the abolition of slavery and a redefined federal system. Reconstruction (1865-1877) aimed to reintegrate the South and grant rights to freed African Americans, though it faced significant resistance. This period saw the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, shaping American society politically, socially, and economically. The era concludes with the Compromise of 1877, marking the end of Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow laws.
1.2 Key Themes and Concepts
Central themes in APUSH Period 5 include sectionalism, slavery, and the struggle for union. The period explores the ideological and economic divisions between the North and South, driven by debates over slavery’s expansion, states’ rights, and economic systems. Key concepts such as Manifest Destiny, the Mexican-American War, and the Compromise of 1850 highlight the nation’s expansion and the growing tensions leading to the Civil War. Additionally, the Emancipation Proclamation, Reconstruction Amendments, and the Freedmen’s Bureau address the abolition of slavery and efforts to redefine citizenship and equality. These themes underscore the transformation of the United States during this critical era.
Causes of the Civil War
The Civil War arose from deepening regional tensions over slavery, states’ rights, and economic disparities, ultimately leading to the South’s secession and the Union’s dissolution.
2.1 Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion
Manifest Destiny, the belief in American expansion, fueled westward growth, increasing sectional tensions over slavery’s expansion. The Mexican-American War resulted in vast territorial gains, intensifying debates about slavery’s future, particularly in new territories. This expansion highlighted the divide between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, as the question of whether new states and territories would allow slavery became a central issue. The Kansas-Nebraska Act and the idea of popular sovereignty further polarized the nation, setting the stage for the Civil War by deepening the conflict over slavery and states’ rights.
2.2 The Mexican-American War and Its Impact
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) resulted from U.S. expansionist policies and disputes over Texas. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war, with Mexico ceding vast territories, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. This acquisition intensified sectional tensions over slavery’s expansion, as Northerners and Southerners clashed on whether the new territories would permit slavery. The war’s legacy included heightened debates over slavery, the Wilmot Proviso’s failed attempt to ban slavery in these territories, and the rise of political figures like Zachary Taylor, while others, like Abraham Lincoln, questioned the war’s justification.
2.3 The Compromise of 1850 and Sectional Tensions
The Compromise of 1850 aimed to address sectional tensions by balancing free and slave states. Key provisions included California’s admission as a free state, the strengthening of the Fugitive Slave Act, and the ban on the slave trade in Washington, D.C. While it temporarily calmed tensions, the compromise failed to resolve the slavery issue, as it did not address the expansion of slavery in other territories. The Fugitive Slave Act, in particular, angered Northerners, deepening sectional divisions. This compromise highlighted the growing impossibility of reconciling the free and slave economies, ultimately accelerating the nation’s path toward civil war.
The Civil War (1861-1865)
The Civil War was fought over slavery and states’ rights, pitting the Union (North) against the Confederacy (South). Key battles like Gettysburg and Vicksburg turned the tide, leading to the Union’s victory and the abolition of slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment.
3.1 Key Battles and Turning Points
The Civil War saw several pivotal battles that altered its course. The Battle of Gettysburg (1863) was a decisive Union victory, repelling the Confederate invasion of the North. The Battle of Vicksburg (1863) granted the Union control of the Mississippi River, splitting the Confederacy. The Battle of Antietam (1862) allowed President Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, shifting the war’s purpose to include ending slavery. These turning points weakened the Confederacy and set the stage for Union victory. The Emancipation Proclamation and the eventual passage of the 13th Amendment further solidified the war’s transformative impact on American society.
3;2 The Emancipation Proclamation
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring freedom for enslaved individuals in Confederate states. While it did not immediately free all slaves, it paved the way for the eventual abolition of slavery. The proclamation applied only to areas outside Union control, exempting border states and parts of the Confederacy already under Union occupation. Lincoln’s action was both a moral statement and a strategic move to undermine the Confederacy’s labor system. It also shifted public opinion in the North, aligning the war’s purpose with ending slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation laid the groundwork for the 13th Amendment, which permanently ended slavery in the United States.
3.3 Social and Economic Impacts on the Union and Confederacy
The Civil War deeply impacted both the Union and Confederacy socially and economically. The Union’s industrial economy allowed for greater production of weapons and supplies, while the Confederacy relied heavily on agriculture, leading to resource shortages. Inflation plagued both sides, with the Confederacy suffering more severely due to its weaker economy. Socially, the war strained families and communities, with widespread loss of life and displacement. African Americans played a crucial role in the Union war effort, as many escaped slavery and joined the Union Army. The Confederacy’s economy collapsed by the war’s end, while the Union emerged with a strengthened industrial base, setting the stage for post-war reconstruction and economic growth.
Reconstruction (1865-1877)
Reconstruction (1865-1877) aimed to rebuild the South and redefine citizenship, focusing on integrating freed slaves into society, granting voting rights, and addressing racial tensions.
4.1 Presidential Reconstruction Plans
Presidential Reconstruction began with Lincoln’s 10% Plan, offering pardons to Confederates who swore allegiance. Johnson extended similar leniency, appointing governors and allowing southern states to form governments. However, Johnson’s plan excluded high-ranking Confederates and Wealthy planters, sparking political clashes with Congress. Both leaders aimed to quickly reintegrate the South, but their plans lacked provisions for freed slaves’ rights, leading to tension over citizenship and voting rights. These plans set the stage for Congressional Reconstruction and the eventual passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which redefined citizenship and suffrage for African Americans.
4.2 Congressional Reconstruction and the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments
Congressional Reconstruction, led by Radical Republicans, sought to ensure African American rights. The 13th Amendment (1865) abolished slavery, the 14th (1868) granted citizenship and equal protection, and the 15th (1870) secured voting rights for African American men. These amendments aimed to redefine citizenship and equality, countering President Johnson’s lenient policies. However, their enforcement faced resistance, leading to the rise of Jim Crow laws and racial violence. These amendments laid the legal groundwork for civil rights advancements but faced significant challenges in implementation, highlighting the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the post-Civil War era.
4.3 The Freedmen’s Bureau and Its Role
Established in 1865, the Freedmen’s Bureau aimed to assist formerly enslaved individuals transition to freedom. It provided food, clothing, and medical aid to African Americans and helped establish schools for education. The Bureau also sought to redistribute land to freedmen, though this effort was largely unsuccessful due to resistance from Southern landowners. Despite its limitations, the Freedmen’s Bureau played a crucial role in providing relief and promoting social and economic opportunities for African Americans during Reconstruction. Its efforts laid the groundwork for future civil rights advancements, even as it faced significant challenges in achieving its goals.
The End of Reconstruction and Its Legacy
The end of Reconstruction in 1877 marked the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, leading to the rise of Jim Crow laws and racial segregation. The Compromise of 1877 allowed Rutherford B. Hayes to become president in exchange for ending Reconstruction, effectively halting federal enforcement of civil rights for African Americans. This period’s legacy includes the long-term entrenchment of racial discrimination and the erosion of freedoms gained by African Americans during Reconstruction.
5.1 The Compromise of 1877
The Compromise of 1877 resolved the disputed 1876 presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden. In exchange for withdrawing federal troops from the South, Hayes was awarded the presidency. This marked the official end of Reconstruction, as Southern Democrats regained control of state governments. The compromise effectively ended federal support for African American rights, leading to the rise of Jim Crow laws and the disenfranchisement of Black voters. It symbolized the nation’s retreat from ensuring equal rights and set the stage for decades of racial segregation and discrimination in the South.
5.2 The Rise of Jim Crow Laws
Following Reconstruction, Southern states enacted Jim Crow laws to reestablish white supremacy and enforce racial segregation. These laws mandated “separate but equal” facilities, effectively disenfranchising African Americans and restricting their rights. Tactics like literacy tests, poll taxes, and grandfather clauses further suppressed Black voting. The Supreme Court’s 1896 decision in Plessy v. Ferguson upheld segregation, legitimizing these practices. Jim Crow laws entrenched racial discrimination, fostering a system of oppression that persisted well into the 20th century. They perpetuated economic and social inequalities, limiting opportunities for African Americans and reinforcing a divided society.
5.3 Long-Term Impacts on American Society
The end of Reconstruction in 1877 left a lasting legacy of racial tension and inequality. The failure to ensure true freedom and equality for African Americans led to the rise of Jim Crow laws and systemic racism. This period also set the stage for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Economically, the nation transitioned from an agrarian society to an industrial powerhouse, shaping modern capitalism. Politically, the Compromise of 1877 marked the end of federal involvement in Southern affairs, allowing conservative Democrats to dominate the region. These events profoundly influenced American identity, highlighting ongoing struggles for justice and equality.
