AP US HISTORY PERIOD 5 OVERVIEW

Period 5 (1844-1877) encompasses the Civil War era and Reconstruction. Major themes include: MANIFEST DESTINY: Westward expansion and territorial acquisition. SECTIONAL CRISIS: Growing tensions over slavery leading to war. CIVIL WAR: Military conflict and home front experiences. EMANCIPATION: End of slavery and African American freedom. RECONSTRUCTION: Attempts to rebuild the South and integrate freed slaves. This period represents the most transformative era in American history, fundamentally changing the nation's character.