A-What issues created the sectional conflict?

Task-Explain how the four Issues divided the United States into two.

1. Slavery - first and foremost the most important difference between the two divisions in the country was slavery. As the United States expanded, the debate over the existence of slavery as well as the extension of slavery into the Western Territories became the central issue.

2. Representation - The country’s economy has been divided into two since early parts of the nation’s history-manufacturing and agriculture. Manufacturing was centered in the Northeastern and Northwestern sections of the nation while agriculture was focused on the Southern and Southwestern United sections. Each section wanted power and control over the Executive and Legislative Branches to pass laws and direct federal policies that would benefit their section. A major concern of each section was gaining more control over the House, Senate and Electoral College by increasing the amount of representatives in each state and gaining influence over other states. The issue of representation is played out as we expand westward and decisions must be made about each state.

3. Tariffs - The agricultural South resented all tariffs, as they relied on British imports for more of their everyday goods. They also needed other nations to purchase cotton form their farms. As the manufacturing North supported tariffs to protect their growing industries the south became increasingly angered. This tension eventually led to the passage of what South Carolina called "the Tariff of Abominations." The south then argued they had the right of nullification. (Nullification - the power of a state to declare a federal law null and void.)

4. States Rights - This issue is a direct outgrowth of the South's fear that the North would pass laws that would hurt it's lifestyle. Some examples would be tariffs and laws to restrict or abolish slavery. The South again claimed they had the right of nullification.