Sectionalism

US History

What is “sectionalism”?

• Sectionalism: giving primary loyalty to a state or region rather than to the nation as a whole.

Setting the stage

• After 1812 War, an “Era of Good Feeling” emerged in the US.– National harmony– Political cooperation– An example: When Monroe ran

for a 2nd term, he was unopposed and received all but 1 electoral vote.

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Differences were looming• Despite “Good Feeling,”

regional differences of opinion emerged

• National debates over:– Power of the Central

Government

– States’ Rights

– Slavery

40 years later, a Civil War….

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Sectionalism emerges• By late 1820s,

sectionalism crushes the “Era of Good Feeling”– Different life styles in

the sections of the US became more pronounced after 1812 War because of

• Economic development

• Population shifts

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N

S

W

Sectionalism: Characteristics• North:

– Commercial economy

– Favored policies that protect industries from foreign competition.

– Increase trade.

– Provide a strong banking system.

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Sectionalism: Overview

• South:– Agricultural economy– Increase cotton exports

• Short staple cotton thanks to Eli Whitney’s cotton gin.

• Slavery perpetuated!

– Favored less interference from federal govt.

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Sectionalism: Overview

• West– Agricultural economy– Wanted federal protection– Improve transportation.– Against regulated banking.

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Sectionalism: The NorthWhat it wanted

• Favored “bank of the US”• Favored protective tariffs

(protect US industry)• Favored increased

immigration (more labor)• Divided on territorial

expansion.• Favored road and canal

projects.

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Sectionalism: The South

• Opposed a bank of the US.

• Opposed protective tariffs.

• Opposed new immigration.

• Favored territorial expansion.

• Opposed road and canal projects.

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Sectionalism: The West• The West: Michigan, Ohio,

Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri.– Opposed the bank of the US.

– Divided on the tariff issue.

– Favored increased immigration.

– Favored territorial expansion.

– Favored road and canal projects.

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An example: The Tariff Controversy

• In 1828, Congress passed a very high protective tariff.– [Southerners called it the “Tariff of

Abominations”]– Purpose: to protect infant Northern industries

from foreign competition.

Tariff Controversy

• Northerners loved it! – It lets them grow their industries.

• Southerners hated it!– High rates increase cost of foreign

manufactured goods in the South.– Foreign nations will reciprocate (raise tariffs

against Southern goods.)