Sectionalism In The 1800s

In the 1800s, America was a young country going through many developments, one of such was nationalism Vs Sectionalism. But at the end sectionalism overcome nationalism to dominate the economic and political culture.

At the beginning of the 1800s, the people indulged in nationalism and the era of good feeling. However, people do admit that the U.S is one nation when dealing with foreign policy but can have the ability to become divisive in internal affairs. In a toast given in Norfolk Virginia 1816, Naval officer Decatur said “In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right; but our country right or wrong! (D1)” He’s saying he hoped the country will be headed in the right direction but even if it doesn’t, it is still

According to the congressional record of 1816, the south overwhelmingly voted against the tariff of 1816 by 34 to 28 (D7). Meanwhile the Middle States and New England vote majority for the tariff. This demonstrates the clashing ideology of the slave-farm base South versus the industrial heavy North. Furthermore, Henry Clay admitted that the tax purpose is only to enrich American industrial complex by saying in his speech to congress in 1824 “ The sole object of the tariff is to tax the foreign industry with the view of promoting American industry (D4).” If the tariff only aims to grow American industry and the North are the only industrial complex based region, the tariff would only benefit those who live in the North. Meanwhile, the South is left in an economic depression as a result. This lead to resentment and further development of sectionalism as Souther struggle to find common ground with Northerner. They are divided economically, taxes, and politically,

Before the Missouri Compromise, there are unofficial unanimous agreements to not deal with slavery among legislator because it will break the union with it divisiveness. For example, Thomas Jefferson compares slavery to a “firebell” that filled him with “terror” (D6). Another example is John Adam saying in his diary “ If the union must be dissolved, slavery is precisely the question upon which it ought to break (D5).” This shows the strength of slavery to kill the union with it divisiveness. After the Missouri Compromise, no one was happy. To the north, the compromise did not stop the spread of slavery. To the South, the government does not have the right to regulate slavery. This lead to more violent action by both sides to promote their