SAT Subject Test in United States History

The SAT Subject Test in United States History assesses students' knowledge of American history, including key events, themes, and figures.

Basic Concepts

Civil War and Reconstruction

Slavery and Sectionalism

By the mid-1800s, the United States was deeply divided over slavery. The North and South had different economies, cultures, and views on slavery. Compromises like the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850 tried but failed to bridge the gap.

The Civil War

In 1861, the conflict exploded into the Civil War, the deadliest war in American history. The North (Union) fought to preserve the nation and end slavery, while the South (Confederacy) sought independence. Key events included the Emancipation Proclamation and the Battle of Gettysburg.

Reconstruction

After the war, the country faced the enormous task of rebuilding. The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments ended slavery and aimed to secure civil rights, but resistance in the South led to the rise of segregation and Jim Crow laws.

Modern Impact

Debates about civil rights, federal power, and race relations today can be traced to this era.

Examples

  • A museum exhibit traces the impact of the 14th Amendment on modern civil rights.

  • Students analyze political cartoons from the Reconstruction era to understand public sentiment.

In a Nutshell

The Civil War ended slavery but left lasting tensions that shaped the nation.