Rise Of Sectionalism Essay

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The rise of sectionalism and the impact of westward expansion contributed greatly to the conflict known to as the American Civil War. Until this day there is still disputes over the causes of the war, most fallback to slavery. The issue of slavery is intertwined with economic and political spheres in the South bringing the outbreak of the war to a pinnacle in the 1860’s. As this time period was seen to promote state rights, the abolitionist movement was on the rise, stirring the emotions of many to free slaves as the main cause of the Civil War. The movement reflected on European social advancement as they had abolished slavery and waiting on America to note that slavery was immoral. These issues would lay the foundation for the Civil Rights …show more content…

After years of tensions, Northern and Southern states were at a disagreement over the territory acquired during the early 1840’s. The problem was whether Southern States would be allowed to expand their labor force (Slaves) to the newly acquired land. Although the debate over slavery was hostile, many sought to put an end to the situation. For instance, abolitionist from the North proposed The Wilmot Proviso in hopes of abolishing slavery from the land gained. However, others supported this concept, by attempting to restrict the land to only white settlers. This led to many racial conflicts; when the land would be admitted as a State into the Union. As a result of these issues, revolts broke out, most of them known came from abolitionist, John Brown. In the letter “Brown to His Brother Frederick”, Brown states “If you will join me in this undertaking, I will make with you any arrangement of our temporal concerns that shall be fair.” This statement was Brown's plan to end slavery, correspondingly actions were taken such as his scheme on Harpers ferry. Even though many saw Brown’s action as a wrongful act, this was his way to demonstrate that slavery was an evil institution. Historian, James McPherson agrees with the