3.1 Rise of Sectionalism

Rise of Sectionalism

• Sectionalism: Placing the interests of a specific region above national interests.

Geographic Representation

• Map Highlights: Major regions in the United States during the rise of sectionalism include: - South (cotton production) - North (industrial factories, cities, transportation)

• Key Regions Mentioned: - Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia.

Differences Between North and South (1820-1850)

North:

• Characterized by industrial factories.

• Urban cities with a larger population.

• Workforce consisted mainly of paid immigrant labor.

• Developed extensive railroad networks.

South:

• Dominated by agriculture with "King Cotton" being key.

• More rural, heavily reliant on slavery.

• Minimal manufacturing and few railroads.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

• Conflict arises as Missouri seeks to enter as a slave state, threatening Congress's balance.

• Solution by Henry Clay:

  • Missouri becomes a slave state.

  • Maine is admitted as a free state.

  • Prohibition of slavery in territories north of 36°30'.

Nullification Crisis (1830s)

• Tariffs exacerbate regional tensions as the South argues they favor Northern interests.

• John C. Calhoun's Position: Advocated for state rights to nullification, suggesting possible secession.

Nat Turner Rebellion (1831)

• Nat Turner's insurrection leads to heightened oppression of enslaved people.

• 60 white farmers killed, prompting stricter slave codes in the South.

Westward Expansion and Slavery

• Southern hopes to extend slavery to newly acquired territories post-Mexican Cession.

Wilmot Proviso (1846)

• Proposed by Northern Congressmen, aimed to prevent slavery in territory gained from Mexico.

• Voted regionally rather than along party lines; ultimately fails.

Free Soil Party (1848)

• Formed with the intention of preventing the expansion of slavery into the West, not abolishing it altogether.

• Belief that Congress had no power to outlaw slavery.

California Statehood (1850)

• California seeks admission as a free state, opposed by the South which wants slavery in the territories.

Compromise of 1850

• Proposed by Henry Clay:

  • California admitted as a free state.

  • Utah and New Mexico territories allowed popular sovereignty to decide slavery status.

  • Slave trade abolished in Washington, D.C.

  • Enhanced Fugitive Slave Law established.

Fugitive Slave Act

• Meant to satisfy Southern states.

• Allowed the recapture of runaway slaves in the North.

• Instituted severe penalties for non-compliance by Northerners.

Response to the Compromise of 1850

• Growing abolitionism in the North.

• Northerners opposed the Fugitive Slave Law, concerned about the recapture of free Blacks.

• Formation of vigilante groups to protect escaped slaves.

Notable Abolitionists

William Lloyd Garrison:

• Founded the American Anti-Slavery Society.

• Published "The Liberator."

Frederick Douglass:

• Published "The North Star."

Grimke Sisters:

• Actively campaigned against slavery, revealing opposition among Southern activists.

Literature Impact

• "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" (1852) by Harriet Beecher Stowe:

  • Portrayed slavery as a moral evil, gaining widespread popularity in the North

  • Prompted Southern states to ban the book due to its strong anti-slavery messages.

Underground Railroad

• A network of safe havens creating paths to freedom for enslaved people.

• Harriet Tubman: Known for leading numerous successful rescues via the Underground Railroad, referred to as "The Moses of her people."