SECTIONALISM DURING THE ANTEBELLUM PERIOD

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The antebellum period occurred between the 1812 war and the civil war, and this time the

USA saw a rise in sectionalism. The nation was divided in all aspects, such as politically,

ideologically, and geographically. One of the most significant issues during this particular period

was slavery. During this period, the abolition movement had grown significantly, focusing on the

abolition of slavery. Both moderates and radicals had moderate and extreme beliefs, especially

concerning slavery. One renowned abolitionist during this time was David Walker, who appealed

for the end of slavery because of its devastating impact.1.He recognized that the slavery

movement was doing more harm than good to the community. This is because it focused on

dehumanizing one group of people (the blacks) by another (the whites) who believed superior.

Some abolitionists argued that the best decision would be to send the blacks back to

Africa. Others argued that the only reasonable conclusion would be to free the slaves and

autonomy to make their own decisions. While one group argued for abolitionism, another group

argued against abolitionism. Such a scenario led to the increased occurrence of sectionalism

within the American nation. An example of this is Calvin Colton, who was a religious clergy.2He

argued that the abolitionist was using religion as a reason to engage in violent behaviors (279).

“So long as the American Anti-Slavery Society is permitted to exist, and to carry on its

operations under its present form, it is not the reason for their cause that prevails, but the power

of their machinery in its action of the public mind…”.The anti-abolitionists believed that

abolitionism was politically instigated under the presence of human rights. Occurrences like

these led to the increase in sectionalism within American society.

1
David Walker.The preamble to Walker's Appeal in Four Articles in Kevin B. Sheets, ed., Sources for America’s
History, Volume 1: To 1877 (Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018)277-278
2
Calvin Colton.Antiabolitionist Attacks Reformers’ Efforts in Sources,278-279
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This was a volatile period when opposing views concerning different aspects of human

life. The South of the USA was in a difficult position, and this was because there were differing

views regarding whether or not to abolish the institution of slavery. One individual who

witnessed slavery and had a unique viewpoint was Ethan Andrews. This individual personally

saw how slavery and the slave trade impacted the community.3.He believed that slavery was

economically viable because the slaves had become a vital component of the agricultural sector.

He recognized that slaves had a crucial role in plantations and, therefore, integral to stability in

agriculture. He argued that the slave trade would not need to be abolished, but instead better

regulations are put in place "When these relations are not violated, the character of the domestic

slave trade, considered as a part of the general system of slavery, depends upon the

circumstances under which the transfer is made. If the condition of the slave is improved in

everything essential, and especially if, with a full understanding of the nature of the transaction,

he really desires the transfer…” (287). Such sentiments further angered the abolitionists and

increased tensions and resentments among different factions.

The former slave Fredrick Douglass argued for the removal of slavery and believed that

this institution was damaging to society. He strongly advocated for the end of slavery because of

its hypocrisy and failure to recognize all human beings as equal.4.He says, "It may, perhaps, be

fairly questioned, whether any other portion of the population of the earth could have endured

the privations, sufferings and horrors of slavery, without having become more degraded in the

scale of humanity than the slaves of African descent." (6). This reveals the unique viewpoint he

had concerning the slavery movement based on its impacts on society. This led to solid

sentiments from the abolitionist movement, who recognized the legitimate argument which

3
Sheets, Kevin B. Sources for America's History. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2021.
4
Douglass, Frederick. Autobiographies. Vol. 68. Library of America, 1994.
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Fredrick Douglas brought. However, the anti-abolitionists contended that this viewpoint

destabilized and devastated the community. It is also essential to understand that this situation

led to the proliferation of the civil war.

The situation escalated when a slave from Virginia, Nat Turner, led a revolt which led to

the death of 55 white men. In return, the whites retaliated and killed many black people. This led

to uncertainty in the USA, where people from different sections and who shared different

ideologies grouped against each other.5Sectionalism was primarily caused by differing views

concerning politics, especially the institution of slavery. This period was a turning point in

American society and because sectionalism was integral in shaping political affiliations in the

USA. Sectionalism also created an atmosphere of revolution based on the ideologies of slavery.

These different groups fought to protect their interests, and they focused on defending the honor

of their different ideals.

The civil war was driven by complex issues that stemmed from sectionalism. Slavery was

merely one of the byproducts of the sectionalism movement and mainly because it was one of the

effects of the political life of the USA. Strong political campaigns were one of the causes of

sectionalism, and this is based on the affiliation to particular sides, especially regarding issues

such as slavery.6.It is essential to consider that the rich and politically influential part of the

population essentially advocated for slavery because they relied on slaves for cheap labor.

However, the less significant portion of the people did not see the need for slavery mainly

because it did not benefit them in any way. The differences in affiliation and economic and

political interests were one of the root causes of sectionalism. It, in turn, led to the growth of

different factions in the USA who had their diverse interests in mind.
5
Ethan Andrews. Slavery and the Domestic Slave-Trade in Sources,281-282
6
Proceedings of the Colored National Convention (1848) in Sources,295-297
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Bibliography

Douglass, Frederick. Autobiographies. Vol. 68. Library of America, 1994.

Sheets, Kevin B. Sources for America's History. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2021.