sectionalism, an exaggerated devotion to the interests of a region over those of a country as a whole. 

What is an example of sectionalism in the US?

In the United States



Sectionalism increased steadily in 1800–1850 as the North industrialized, urbanized and built prosperous factories, while the deep South concentrated on plantation agriculture based on slave labor, together with subsistence farming for poor whites who owned no slaves.

What is sectionalism and why is it a problem?

Sectionalism is the expression of loyalty or support for a particular region of one’s country, rather than to the country as a whole. In contrast to simple feelings of local pride, sectionalism arises from deeper cultural, economic, or political differences and can lead to violent civil strife, including insurrection.

How did sectionalism affect American history?





Sectionalism served Abe Lincoln well in the presidential election of 1860. All of the Northern states opposed slavery, so the popular vote went with like-minded Lincoln. The victory spurred 11 Southern states to secede from the union and form the Confederate States of America.

Why was there sectionalism in the United States?

All of the issues that divided the nation during the build up to the Civil War, there are four categories they can be classified under: Slavery, Cultural (Social), Economic, and Constitutional (Political). All of these issues led to sectionalism in the United States and pushed the country to the brink of war.

When did sectionalism become a big problem in the United States?

Between 1820 and 1846, sectionalism drew on new political parties, new religious organizations, and new reform movements. As politics grew more democratic, leaders attacked old inequalities of wealth and power, but in doing so many pandered to a unity under white supremacy.

What are the three main regions in the US during sectionalism?



The American nation was still young in the 1820s, but it was still a fragile union, with sectionalism an ever-present & growing concern. Our previous lesson treated the nation as a whole in the early 1800s; this week we will look at the differences among the three sections-North, South, & West.

Why is sectionalism important to history?

It is associated with the belief that different regions of a country have unique characteristics and values. Sectionalism contributes to division and tension of various types between the different regions of a country. If unresolved, these can lead to conflict and war.



How was sectionalism a cause of war?

Sectionalism was the major cause of the United States Civil War because it was integral to creating the Southern social life as well as shaping its political tendencies, not the issue of slavery, which only affected a very small percent of southerners.

What’s the difference between sectionalism and nationalism?

According to the document “Nationalism and Sectionalism,” nationalism is “a feeling of pride, loyalty, and protectiveness toward your country” (1). Sectionalism is “loyalty to the interest of your own region or section of the country, rather than to the nation as a whole” (Nationalism and Sectionalism 4).

What best defines sectionalism?

sectionalism, an exaggerated devotion to the interests of a region over those of a country as a whole.

Is sectionalism still seen in the US?



Even today, at the beginning of the 21st century, sectionalism continues with geographic sections still battling for dominance, and cultural sections square off in what is commonly called the culture wars.