B

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."