Sectionalism in the United States between 1840 and 1860During the 1840s-1860s, the United States faced a growing increase in sectionalism across the country. This sectionalism divided the North and South and pitted them against each other through growing tensions and opposition. Several events led to sectionalism during this time period. By examining the Compromise of 1850, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the election of President Abraham Lincoln one can see how these key events left the nation divided. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Compromise of 1850 set the tone for the 1950s, when sectionalism in the United States was at its highest. The compromise was reached in response to disputes over the expansion of slavery into territories newly conquered by the Mexican-American War. The North was concerned that adding a new slave state would upset the balance between free states and slave states in the Union, further affecting representation. The compromise sought 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 required that those who they tried to remain neutral in the matter they were involved in. In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed and created a stir between the two opposing parties. The act infuriated the North because it overturned parts of the Compromise of 1850 and made slavery possible in territories where it had previously not been permitted, allowing these two territories to decide whether or not they would permit slavery through the practice of popular sovereignty. This act led to Bleeding Kansas. Due to the turmoil created by this law, many fights broke out resulting in bloodshed and ultimately the loss of fifty-six lives. Although both of these territories voted against slavery, the entire incident truly shocked the Union as a whole. The final straw that ultimately led to sectionalism so great that it caused the start of the Civil War was the election of President Abraham Lincoln in 1860. Although Lincoln was left out of many ballots in the South, he still won by a landslide considerable number of votes. The South was well aware of his views on slavery and feared what would happen. This led the South to feel they had no choice but to leave. South Carolina ended up deciding that the Constitution did not prevent them from succeeding to the Union and felt that they had to leave to maintain their way of life. Please note: this is just an example. Get a customized document from our expert writers now. Get a Custom EssayThese key events during the 1840s-1860s created the intense sectionalism observed in these two decades. The Compromise of 1850, the Kansas Nebraska Act, and the election of President Abraham Lincoln left a nation divided. Each of these events only created further growing tension between the two opposing sides. One can see how the tension created by these events ultimately led to the nation only being able to be further divided by actually becoming divided, which happened shortly after Lincoln's election..