December 06, 2016
The Rise of Sectionalism
Sectionalism
8-4.2
• What: Loyalty to a region of a country
and not the entire country
• When Developed: after ratification of the
Constitution
• Why: Differences in economies, cultures
& political interests grew between North
& South
Factors in Development of Sectionalism
Factors in Development of Sectionalism
• Regional geographic differences
• North: trading region of small farms
• South: agricultural region w/plantation
system
• Pre-revolution: slavery in all colonies
• Post revolution: North emancipated
slaves
• Post revolution: South increased
dependence on slaves due to cotton gin
Difference in interpretation of Constitution
& meaning of Union led to
• Two-party system
• Southerners: Democratic-Republican
called Republicans (They became
Jackson Democrats)
• New Englanders: Federalists later Whigs
(They became Lincoln Republicans)
Factors in Development of Sectionalism
Growing Slave Population in the South:
• SC 1720s, blacks outnumber whites
• African American majority in most
Southern states
• Slave population increases due to high
birth rates & smuggling
• Increased fear of slave revolts
• Slave Codes strengthened to protect
whites
SC Slave Revolts
Revolts:
• Stono Rebellion (1739)
• Denmark Vesey Plot (1822)
Results:
• Increased fear among whites
• General Assembly passed new slave
codes: prohibited
• Slaves from meeting
• Slaves from learning to read & write
• Codes regulated all aspects of slaves’
lives
December 06, 2016
Abolitionist Movement:
Goal:
• End slavery nationwide
• Grew in North
• Not popular with most
Northerners
Abolitionist Movement:
Abolitionist Activities:
• Newspapers
• Underground Railroad
• Slave Revolts
• Harper’s Ferry Raid
• “Bleeding Kansas”
SC & Abolitionist Movement
Reaction to Abolitionist Criticism
• SC Postmasters removed abolitionist
literature from mail
• Southerners claimed slavery was
“positive good”, slaves taken care of
throughout lives
• Southerners claimed Northern laborers
were “wage slaves”
Abolitionist Movement:
Growth Due to :
• Anti-slavery newspapers
• Example: William Lloyd Garrison’s
newspaper The Liberator
SC & Abolitionist Movement
Effects
• SC more determined to hold
onto ‘peculiar
institution’ (slavery)
• Abolitionists active pre-Vesey
plot
• After plot, abolitionists
forced to leave or be silent
(example: Grimke Sisters)
Sectionalism Furthered by:
• Changes in Northern Economy
• Industry developed
• European Immigrants attracted
to jobs
• Northern state populations grew
• House of
Representatives
controlled by North
December 06, 2016
Sectionalism Furthered by:
Development of new political party (Whig
Party)
• Supported strong national government
• Competed with Democrats who were
mainly Southern
• Competed for presidency & Congress
North’s greater voice led South to push for
admission of new slave states to maintain
balance of slave & free states in Senate