APUSH Period 5 all events History Timeline and Biographies

Mexican-American War Begins

The Mexican-American War began in 1846 following the annexation of Texas, leading to a significant territorial expansion for the United States. The conflict stemmed from disputes over Texas boundaries and U.S. desires for California and New Mexico. This war is a pivotal event in APUSH Period 5 all events, as it intensified debates over slavery in new territories.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848, ending the Mexican-American War. The U.S. acquired vast territories, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. This acquisition sparked debates over the extension of slavery into these new territories, a central issue in APUSH Period 5 all events.

Compromise of 1850

The Compromise of 1850 was a series of laws aimed at resolving the territorial and slavery controversies arising from the Mexican-American War. It included the admission of California as a free state and the implementation of a stricter Fugitive Slave Law, highlighting the tensions in APUSH Period 5 all events between free and slave states.

Publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin

Harriet Beecher Stowe published "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in 1852, which became a powerful anti-slavery novel. It influenced public opinion in the North against slavery and fueled the abolitionist movement, making it a significant event in APUSH Period 5 all events.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 allowed settlers in those territories to decide on the legality of slavery through popular sovereignty. This act led to violent conflicts known as "Bleeding Kansas," exemplifying the deep divisions over slavery in APUSH Period 5 all events.

Dred Scott v. Sandford Decision

In the 1857 Dred Scott v. Sandford case, the Supreme Court ruled that African Americans could not be citizens and that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in the territories. This decision intensified national divisions and is a critical event in APUSH Period 5 all events.

Election of Abraham Lincoln

The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 marked a turning point in American history. His anti-slavery platform led to the secession of Southern states and the onset of the Civil War, making it a pivotal event in APUSH Period 5 all events.

Civil War Begins

The Civil War began in April 1861 after the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter. The conflict between the Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy) was primarily driven by issues of slavery and states' rights, representing a crucial moment in APUSH Period 5 all events.

Emancipation Proclamation

President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863, declaring the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory. This act transformed the Civil War into a fight for freedom and equality, marking a significant milestone in APUSH Period 5 all events.

Civil War Ends and Lincoln Assassinated

The Civil War concluded in April 1865 with the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Shortly after, President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a significant event that changed the course of Reconstruction and is a key moment in APUSH Period 5 all events.

13th Amendment Ratified

The 13th Amendment, ratified in December 1865, abolished slavery in the United States. This landmark legislation marked a fundamental change in American society and is a crucial event in APUSH Period 5 all events, setting the stage for further civil rights advancements.

14th Amendment Ratified

The 14th Amendment was ratified in July 1868, granting citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., including former slaves. This amendment represents a significant development in APUSH Period 5 all events, emphasizing civil rights and equality.

15th Amendment Ratified

The 15th Amendment, ratified in February 1870, prohibited the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This amendment was a crucial step in the Reconstruction era and a significant event in APUSH Period 5 all events, aiming to secure voting rights for African American men.

End of Reconstruction

The Compromise of 1877 effectively ended Reconstruction, as federal troops were withdrawn from the South in exchange for resolving the disputed 1876 presidential election. This marked a significant shift in U.S. politics and society, concluding a transformative period in APUSH Period 5 all events.