Did the Civil War Ultimately reduce sectional antagonism and make the United States truly one nation?
Prior to Civil War, distinct Northern and Southern cultures had been established; The free North occupied the commercial industry, while the slavery-based South undertook an agricultural occupation. The South and the North began to fight over right and wrong. The major issue was regarding slavery, as the South wanted to preserve slavery while, the North wanted to get rid of it. These conflicts rose into sectional antagonism and eventually put the United States and President Lincoln in a loophole. During the Civil War however, Lincoln made some extremely controversial decisions, that resulted in a reduction of the sectional antagonism present, and the United States became truly “one nation.”
The sectional issue of slavery erupted when the Fugitive Slave Law was passed in 1850. This law provided for the recovery of slaves who ran away to free states. Owners and slave catchers could seize their runaway slaves in the Northern. To accomplish this, Southern slave owners could demand assistance from federal marshals. The Northerners, many of whom were abolitionists, charged that the law made it easy to kidnap free African Americans. This dispute continued for years, until Abraham Lincoln was elected into office in 1860. Lincoln had expressed his concerns about the expansion of slavery. The Republicans had nominated Lincoln for President on a platform that opposed extending slavery into the territories.
Many Southern states seceded from the Union following the fall of Ft. Sumter in 1861 (Document B and C). General Beauregard stated, “I cheerfully agreed that on surrendering the fort the commanding officer might salute his flag.” Union Commander at Ft. Sumter Maj. Robert Anderson stated, “Fort Sumter is left in ruins from the effect of the shell...whilst saluting our flag as it was lowered.” During the time of the fall of the fort, there had been a considerable difference of opinion as to whether the federal government should oppose secession. Northerners
The sectional issue of slavery erupted when the Fugitive Slave Law was passed in 1850. This law provided for the recovery of slaves who ran away to free states. Owners and slave catchers could seize their runaway slaves in the Northern. To accomplish this, Southern slave owners could demand assistance from federal marshals. The Northerners, many of whom were abolitionists, charged that the law made it easy to kidnap free African Americans. This dispute continued for years, until Abraham Lincoln was elected into office in 1860. Lincoln had expressed his concerns about the expansion of slavery. The Republicans had nominated Lincoln for President on a platform that opposed extending slavery into the territories.
Many Southern states seceded from the Union following the fall of Ft. Sumter in 1861 (Document B and C). General Beauregard stated, “I cheerfully agreed that on surrendering the fort the commanding officer might salute his flag.” Union Commander at Ft. Sumter Maj. Robert Anderson stated, “Fort Sumter is left in ruins from the effect of the shell...whilst saluting our flag as it was lowered.” During the time of the fall of the fort, there had been a considerable difference of opinion as to whether the federal government should oppose secession. Northerners