Period 5: 1844-1877

As the nation expanded and its population grew, regional tensions,

especially over slavery, led to a civil war — the course and

aftermath of which transformed American society.

Key Concept 1

-The United States became more connected with the world

as it pursued an expansionist foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere and

emerged as the destination for many migrants from other countries.

Key Concept 2

-Intensified by expansion and deepening regional divisions,

debates over slavery and other economic, cultural, and political issues led

the nation into civil war.

Key Concept 3

-The Union victory in the Civil War and the contested

Reconstruction of the South settled the issues of slavery and secession, but

left unresolved many questions about the power of the federal government

and citizenship rights.