Unholy Divisions: The Advent of Sectionalism in US History
Sectionalism, a term that has become synonymous with the intricate web of divisions that brewed within the United States during the mid-19th century, had its roots in the country's early years as an independent nation. Sectionalism was the conflict stemming from the regional differences between the various sections of the country, primarily driven by economic, cultural and ideological discrepancies. This complex and multifaceted phenomenon played a pivotal role in shaping the country's history, from the American Revolution to the outbreak of the Civil War.
In the early years of the United States, different states had unique economies, geographical features, and social structures that fostered distinct cultures and perspectives. These differences often led to tensions between the various regions, which were amplified as the country expanded and industrialized rapidly during the 19th century. By the mid-1800s, these internal divisions had coalesced into two distinct regions with polarized views: the North and the South.
**Regionalization of the US**
The divide between the North and the South was primarily centered around economic disparities and agricultural practices.
The North, which included states such as New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, was predominantly industrialized and industrial production was a significant contributor to their economies. Historian Fredrika Toeff, a leading historian of the Civil War, notes that the North's industrial prowess gave them a distinct technological and economic edge over the South. "The rapid growth of industry in the North created jobs, produced goods, and fostered the development of financial hubs, creating an increasingly distinct economic and social culture," said Toeff.
The South, on the other hand, relied heavily on agriculture, with cotton becoming its main product. In an excerpt from his book, 'The Odd University', historian Michael Casey elaborates, "Agrarians in the South relied on land as a means of social mobility, emphasizing patriarchal family ties and the strengthened tenant-farmer relationship." This dependence on agriculture led to reliance on slavery, which further deepened societal cleavages, as slave-holding states resented the North's demand for the abolition of the 'peculiar institution.'
**Geographical & climatic differences**
Beyond the economic disparities, geographical and climatic differences contributed to the blossoming of regional cultures. The South had a larger land area than the North, with vast alluvial plains including extensive coastal plains that could support agriculture on a large scale. On the other hand, the North was often hilly and mountainous. Historian Carl Trump phrases it well in his historical text, "Climate, terrain, and agriculture shaped significantly the social context of each section becoming of increasing latent significance as their powers to lodge people crowded into cities fed contradictory and creative tensions."
Another pivotal factor in the development of Sectionalism was the varied histories and economies of the regions, with states joining the Union over time.
The 13 original Colonies aligned with the pro-British tendencies notable during the American Revolution. They opposed the more peasant like agricultural societies to the west in their main economic advantages and encompassed breadstuffs in politics such as the Ohio Valley and the Missouri region.
