I need to find out the evolution of Sectionalism and Southern Succession and its theme to individualism. I cant seem to understand this and tie it together. I would greatly appreciate any help I can get
I am not certain of the link you are seeking. The Southern succession originated in the great compromise in the US constitution ( http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/uscongress/a/greatcomp.htm ) and the 10th amendment to the Constitution. You may want to explore that. Sectionalism developed mainly as a result (before the war) due to population density, lifestyle, culture, and population differences. After the war, sectionalism developed from the above, and hard feelings developed in the war and after...remember the North Yankees ruled high and mighty in the South, embittering many for generations.
Certainly! Understanding the evolution of sectionalism, Southern secession, and its relationship to individualism requires analyzing the historical context and examining key events and ideas.
1. Sectionalism: Sectionalism refers to the division of a country into distinct regions, each with its own geographical, social, economic, and political interests. In the context of the United States, sectionalism primarily developed during the 19th century, particularly between the Northern and Southern states, due to divergent economic systems (industrialized North vs. agrarian South), differing views on slavery, and competing visions for the future of the nation.
To understand the evolution of sectionalism, you can:
- Study the emergence of regional differences: Examine factors such as economic activities (industrialization, agriculture, and trade), the growth of urban centers, transportation improvements, and immigration patterns. These factors contributed to the development of distinct identities and interests within different regions of the country.
- Analyze political events: Investigate significant political debates, compromises, and laws that highlighted the growing tensions between the North and South. Examples include the Missouri Compromise of 1820, the Wilmot Proviso of 1846, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. These events demonstrated the increasing divide between the free states and slave states, leading to heightened sectionalism.
2. Southern secession: Southern secession refers to the withdrawal of the Southern states from the Union and the formation of the Confederate States of America, which ultimately resulted in the American Civil War (1861-1865).
To understand Southern secession, you can:
- Explore the issue of slavery: The primary cause of Southern secession was the debate over the expansion of slavery and its relationship to the federal government's power. Study the arguments and perspectives of Southern politicians and pro-slavery advocates who believed that their way of life, including the institution of slavery, was threatened by the growing antislavery sentiment in the North.
- Examine the secession process: Research the events leading to secession, such as the election of Abraham Lincoln as president in 1860, the secession conventions held by Southern states, and the formation of the Confederate government. Understanding the timeline and the motivations of Southern states will provide insights into their actions.
3. Individualism: Individualism emphasizes the importance of individual rights, freedoms, and self-reliance within a society. In the context of this topic, examining the theme of individualism in relation to sectionalism and Southern secession requires understanding the contrasting views between the North and South.
To understand the theme of individualism, you can:
- Analyze the perspectives of Northern abolitionists: Study the ideas and writings of influential abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and William Lloyd Garrison, who championed individual freedom and equality. Their advocacy for the rights of enslaved individuals reflected the belief in individualism as a moral and societal principle.
- Explore Southern pro-slavery arguments: Investigate the intellectual and ideological frameworks used by Southern defenders of slavery to justify the institution. Some argued that individual freedom for white Southerners depended on the preservation of slavery and the social hierarchy it maintained.
By studying these aspects of sectionalism, Southern secession, and individualism, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of their evolution and interconnections within the broader context of American history. Remember to consult historical sources, scholarly research, and expert opinions to support your analysis.