Sectionalism in the United States between 1840 and 1860During the 1840s–1860s, the United States faced a growing rise in sectionalism throughout the country. This sectionalism divided the North and South and pitted them against each other due to growing tensions and opposition. Several events led to sectionalism during this period. By examining the Compromise of 1850, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the election of President Abraham Lincoln, we can see how these key events divided the nation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Compromise of 1850 set the tone for the 1950s, where sectionalism in the United States was at its highest level. The compromise was made in response to disputes over the expansion of slavery into newly acquired territories during the Mexican-American War. The North feared that if a new slave state was added, it would upset the balance between free and slave states in the Union, further influencing representation. The compromise attempted to appease both sides by abolishing the slave trade in the District of Columbia in favor of the North and creating a new fugitive slave law in favor of the South. This new fugitive slave law was hated by Northerners because it forced those who tried to remain neutral in the matter to become involved. In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed and created an uproar between the two opposing camps. The act infuriated the North because it undid parts of the Compromise of 1850 and made slavery possible in territories where it had not previously been permitted by allowing those two territories to decide whether they would allow or not slavery through the practice of popular sovereignty. This act led to Bleeding Kansas. Due to the uproar over this law, many quarrels arose which resulted in bloodshed and ultimately the loss of fifty-six lives. Although both of these territories had voted against slavery, the incident truly shocked the Union as a whole. The final straw that ultimately led to sectionalism so great that it resulted in the start of the Civil War was the election of President Abraham Lincoln in 1860. Even though Lincoln was excluded from many ballots in the South , he still won with a considerable number of votes. The South was well aware of his views on slavery and feared what was coming. This left the South feeling like it had no choice but to leave. South Carolina eventually decided that the Constitution did not prevent them from succeeding the Union and felt that they had to leave to maintain their way of life. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized paper from our expert now. writers.Get a Custom Essay These key events during the 1840s-1860s created the intense sectionalism seen during these two decades. The Compromise of 1850, the Kansas Nebraska Act, and the election of President Abraham Lincoln divided the nation. Each of these events only increased tensions between the two opposing camps. One can see how the tension these events ultimately created led to a nation that could only be further divided by actually becoming divided, which happened shortly after Lincoln's election..