Failure of Compromise - AP U.S. History

1. What was a major consequence of the Dred Scott decision?

   It heightened tensions between North and South. Strengthened Southern resolve and Northern opposition.

2. Which state was admitted as a free state under the Compromise of 1850?

   California. Part of the larger Compromise of 1850 package deal.

3. What concept allowed territories to decide on slavery for themselves?

   Popular sovereignty. Local self-determination principle that proved divisive.

4. Identify the year the Civil War began.

   1861. When compromise finally failed and war became inevitable.

5. Identify the primary issue in the Lincoln-Douglas debates.

   The expansion of slavery into the territories. Central question in their famous 1858 Senate debates.

6. What was the Ostend Manifesto?

   A document advocating U.S. acquisition of Cuba. 1854 diplomatic document supporting Southern expansion goals.

7. What was the main focus of the Crittenden Compromise proposals?

   To protect slavery in Southern states and territories. Final failed attempt to prevent Southern secession.

8. What was the Missouri Compromise of 1820?

   It admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. Maintained sectional balance with equal free and slave states.

9. What was the significance of the Dred Scott decision in 1857?

   It ruled that African Americans were not U.S. citizens. Also ruled Congress couldn't ban slavery in territories.

10. What was the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850?

    It required the return of escaped slaves to their owners. Made Northern citizens complicit in slavery enforcement.

11. Which compromise attempted to maintain the balance of power in the Senate?

    The Missouri Compromise of 1820. Preserved equal representation between free and slave states.

12. Which event marked the beginning of the Civil War?

    The attack on Fort Sumter in 1861. South Carolina's attack on federal fort in Charleston.

13. Identify the main issue addressed by the Compromise of 1850.

    The status of territories acquired from the Mexican-American War. Concerned whether new territories would allow slavery or remain free.

14. What was the primary goal of the Crittenden Compromise?

    To prevent the secession of Southern states. Last-ditch effort to avoid Civil War through compromise.

15. Identify the primary author of the Missouri Compromise.

    Henry Clay. The 'Great Compromiser' who crafted sectional deals.

16. Which political party was formed in response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

    The Republican Party. Anti-slavery expansion party formed in 1854.

17. Identify the author of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

    Stephen A. Douglas. Illinois senator who championed popular sovereignty.

18. What did the term 'Bleeding Kansas' describe?

    Violent conflicts over slavery in Kansas territory. Demonstrated failure of popular sovereignty to ensure peace.

19. Which 1860 event directly led to Southern secession?

    The election of Abraham Lincoln as President. Republican victory on anti-slavery platform triggered secession.

20. What was the main economic difference between the North and South pre-Civil War?

    The North was industrialized; the South relied on agriculture and slavery. Created conflicting economic interests driving political division.

21. What was the reaction in the South to the election of Abraham Lincoln?

    Southern states began to secede from the Union. Viewed Republican victory as existential threat to slavery.

22. Which event demonstrated the failure of popular sovereignty?

    The violence in Kansas, known as 'Bleeding Kansas.'. Showed popular sovereignty couldn't peacefully resolve slavery.

23. What was the main goal of the Free-Soil Party?

    To prevent the expansion of slavery into the western territories. Third party opposing slavery's westward expansion.

24. Which compromise was considered a temporary solution to sectional tensions?

    The Missouri Compromise of 1820. Maintained sectional peace for thirty years until 1850.

25. What was the main argument of Southern states for maintaining slavery?

    Economic necessity and states' rights. Defended slavery as constitutional and economically vital.

26. Which constitutional amendment resolved the issue of slavery post-Civil War?

    The 13th Amendment. Permanently abolished slavery throughout the United States.

27. What was the main purpose of the Compromise of 1850?

    To ease tensions between free and slave states. Henry Clay's final attempt at sectional compromise.

28. What was the key provision of the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

    It allowed popular sovereignty to decide slavery. Let territorial residents vote on slavery's legality.

29. What did the Wilmot Proviso propose?

    To ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico. Failed but highlighted growing sectional divide over expansion.

30. What did the Compromise of 1850 say about the slave trade in Washington D.C.?

    It abolished the slave trade in Washington D.C. Concession to Northern anti-slavery sentiment in compromise.

31. What was the ultimate goal of the abolitionist movement?

    The complete abolition of slavery in the United States. Moral crusade that intensified sectional tensions.

32. Which compromise included the Fugitive Slave Act?

    The Compromise of 1850. Henry Clay's omnibus bill to resolve territorial disputes.

33. Which state seceded first from the Union in 1860?

    South Carolina. Immediately after Lincoln's election in December 1860.

34. Identify the event that nullified the Missouri Compromise.

    The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. Opened previously free territory to potential slavery.

35. What did the Compromise of 1850 abolish in Washington D.C.?

    The slave trade (but not slavery itself). Compromise measure to appease Northern anti-slavery sentiment.

36. Identify the year the Dred Scott decision was issued.

    1857. Supreme Court ruling that intensified sectional crisis.

37. What was the significance of the Lincoln-Douglas debates?

    Highlighted divisions over slavery and popular sovereignty. 1858 Senate debates that gained Lincoln national attention.

38. What was the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854?

    It allowed territories to decide on slavery through popular sovereignty. Repealed the Missouri Compromise's 36°30' restriction.

39. Identify the law that required citizens to assist in the capture of runaway slaves.

    The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Forced Northerners to participate in slavery system.

40. What was the outcome of the Kansas-Nebraska Act regarding slavery?

    Led to violent conflict known as 'Bleeding Kansas.'. Popular sovereignty failed to prevent sectional violence.

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