The Central Role of Slavery in Sectionalism and the Civil War

Expansion of slavery

A crucial factor in causing sectionalism and the Civil War in the United States.

Missouri Compromise of 1820

An agreement that attempted to maintain the balance of power between free and slave states.

Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854

Legislation that led to increased violence in 'Bleeding Kansas' and repealed the Missouri Compromise.

Sectionalism

Disagreement between different regions of the country, particularly over slavery, which contributed to the Civil War.

Fugitive Slave Act

Law that mandated the return of escaped slaves, viewed by Northern opponents as an overreach of federal power.

States' rights

The belief held by Southern leaders that individual states had the authority to govern themselves, particularly regarding slavery.

Bleeding Kansas

A series of violent confrontations in Kansas between 1854 and 1859 over the issue of slavery.

Abraham Lincoln's election

An event that heightened tensions leading to Southern states' secession from the Union.

Southern secession

The withdrawal of Southern states from the Union to protect their economic interests and way of life.

Compromise of 1850

A package of five bills aimed at settling disputes over slavery and preserving the Union.