The core of the conflict that divided America culturally, politically, and economically was the westward expansion of slavery. A few people wanted to eliminate slavery, while others wanted to expand slavery throughout the nation. The strong opposing sides caused a movement towards a Civil War among the free states and the slave states. Many believed that slavery was the only way the nation would succeed. John L. O’Sullivan was convinced that America was intended through the power of God to expand and disregard boundaries, which caused an increase of settlement further westward. American settles believed America would become a dominant nation and take control of the Western Hemisphere. Sullivan stated, “manifest destiny [was] to overspread …show more content…
Norman Asing stated that Democrat John Bigler was violating the principles of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence because Bigler argued “that [America] is a republic of a particular race…no asylum to any other than the pale face” (pg. 258). Asing believed the proposition was extremely false. Henry David Thoreau disagreed with the idea of the government governing all. He believed the government was a place where it was effortless for majorities to impose their opinions on others. Thoreau wanted ordinary men to stand up for their own beliefs without the fear of imprisonment because “truth is stronger than error” (pg. 264). William Henry Seward explained the corruption of the slavery system. Everyone knew monarchies were bad, but Seward knew that the expansion of slavery would lead America back under the hands of a monarch. Marcus M. Spiegel wanted fighting for the nation to be a want amongst citizens. “The horror of slavery” was the American army forcing enslaved people to fight in the war. Mrs. Johnson was opposed to slavery existing. Her son was a member of the American army. Although, due to being a colored individual, he did not hold the same rights as the white