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Unit 4: Primary Source Analysis- Sectionalism

Sectional disputes over slavery and its westward spread eroded the spirit of nationalism that swept the nation after the
War of 1812. The spread of slavery into new territory became the overriding political issue of the 1850s. Friction
intensified until the North and the South became unable to compromise any further. In the end, all attempts at
compromise over slavery failed to end the sectional differences.

Brainstorm: What events and changes were occuring in the time period of 1800-1860?

Document 1
In a letter to John Holmes, Thomas Jefferson warns against the division of the Missouri Compromise and that it would
lead to the eventual destruction of the Union.

“but this momentous question, like a fire bell in the night, awakened and filled me with terror. I considered it at once
as the knell of the Union. it is hushed indeed for the moment. but this is a reprieve only, not a final sentence. a
geographical line, coinciding with a marked principle, moral and political, once conceived and held up to the angry
passions of men, will never be obliterated; and every new irritation will mark it deeper and deeper.”
- Letter from Thomas Jefferson to John Holmes, April 22, 1820

1. In Jefferson’s opinion, does the Missouri Compromise solve the sectional disputes facing the nation? Why or
why not?

2. How does this excerpt demonstrate the rise of sectionalism?

Document 2
The following resolutions were adopted at the recent Convention of the Western New York Anti-Slavery Society, held
in Corinthian Hall:
Resolved [Agreed],... That they who teach obedience to the Fugitive Slave Law, while they admit that the law is
unjust, cruel and disgraceful, prove themselves destitute of moral principle, if not of moral sense, and they are to be
ranked with the hardened and obdurate [heartless] creatures who, for a few paltry dollars, will perform the disgusting
office of slave-catcher to the slaveholder…
Resolved, That we regard the Fugitive Slave Law of the last Congress as a conspiracy against the liberties of our
country, which ought to be resisted at all hazards of property and life, by all who love God and revere [honor] the
memories of our revolutionary fathers.
- This excerpt was first published in the abolitionist newspaper The North Star on April 3, 1851. It
discusses the Fugitive Slave Law passed by Congress on September 18, 1850.

1. What is one reason that the Western New York Anti-Slavery Society gave for opposing the Fugitive Slave Law?

2. What is the Historical Context of this document (What was the Fugitive Slave Law)?

3. How does this excerpt demonstrate the rise of sectionalism?

Document 3
The evening before, and the morning of the day of the election, about one thousand men arrived at Lawrence, and
camped in a ravine a short distance from the town, and near the place of voting. They came, in wagons (of which there
were over one hundred) or on horseback, under the command of Colonel Samuel Young, of Boone county, Missouri,
and Claiborne F. Jackson, of Missouri. They were armed with guns, rifles, pistols and bowie knives; and had tents,
music and flags with them. They brought with them two pieces of artillery, loaded with musket balls.
.....
When the voting commenced, . . . Colonel Young offered to vote. He refused to take the oath prescribed by the
governor, but said he was a resident of the territory. He told Mr. Abbott, one of the judges, when asked if he intended
to make Kansas his future home, that it was none of his business; if he were a resident then he should ask no more.
After his vote was received, Colonel Young got upon the window sill and announced to the crowd that he had been
permitted to vote, and they could all come up and vote. He told the judges that there was no use swearing the others, as
they would all swear as he had. After the other judges had concluded to receive Colonel Young’s vote, Mr. Abbott
resigned as judge of election, and Mr. Benjamin was elected in his place.
The polls were so much crowded till late in the evening that for a time they were obliged to get out by being hoisted
up on the roof of the building, where the election was being held, and passing out over the house. Afterwards a
passageway was made through the crowd by two lines of men being formed, through which voters could get to the
polls. Colonel Young asked that the old men be allowed to go up first and vote, as they were tired with the traveling,
and wanted to get back to camp. During the day the Missourians drove off the ground some of the citizens, Mr.
Stearns, Mr. Bond and Mr. Willis. They threatened to shoot Mr. Bond, and made a rush after him, threatening him. As
he ran from them, shots were fired at him as he jumped off the bank of the river and escaped.
- The Howard Committee, Congressional Committee to investigate the Kansas “troubles,” 1856

1. What was the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

2. What happened in Kansas after the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed?

3. How does this excerpt demonstrate the rise of sectionalism?

Document 4
… And now as to the Dred Scott decision. That decision declares two propositions—first, that a Negro cannot sue in
the U.S. Courts; and secondly, that Congress cannot prohibit slavery in the Territories. It was made by a divided
court—dividing differently on the different points…

Judicial decisions have two uses—first, to absolutely determine the case decided, and secondly, to indicate to the
public how other similar cases will be decided when they arise. For the latter use, they are called "precedents" and
"authorities."

We believe, as much as Judge Douglas, (perhaps more) in obedience to, and respect for the judicial department of
government. We think its decisions on Constitutional questions, when fully settled, should control, not only the
particular cases decided, but the general policy of the country, subject to be disturbed only by amendments of the
Constitution as provided in that instrument itself. More than this would be revolution. But we think the Dred Scott
decision is erroneous. We know the court that made it, has often over-ruled its own decisions, and we shall do what we
can to have it to over-rule this. We offer no resistance to it.
- Source: Abraham Lincoln, speech, June 26, 1857

1. What is the purpose of Abraham Lincoln’s speech? What does he think about the Dred Scott Decision?

2. How does this excerpt demonstrate the rise of sectionalism?

Short Answer Question:

The failure to compromise over the issue of slavery was demonstrated with the start of the Civil War in 1861. Explain
two examples (using the documents and your knowledge of US History) of events that fueled this rise of sectionalism
during the time period of 1800-1860.