Pre-Civil War America

Definition

Refers to the period of time in American history before the Civil War, spanning from the late 18th century to the early 1860s. It was characterized by political tensions between the North and South over issues such as slavery and states' rights.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: The belief that it was America's destiny to expand its territory from coast to coast, fueling westward expansion during this time.

Compromise of 1850: A series of laws passed by Congress aimed at resolving conflicts between free and slave states regarding newly acquired territories from Mexico.

Kansas-Nebraska Act: An act that allowed for popular sovereignty (the people in each territory could vote whether they wanted slavery or not) in Kansas and Nebraska territories, leading to violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces.