Party-Political Changes and Sectionalism in 1850s
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To what extent were changes in the party-political system the cause of increased sectionalism in the period 1850–56?
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Title: The Impact of Changes in the Party-Political System on Increased Sectionalism in the Period 1850-56
The period from 1850 to 1856 was marked by significant changes in the party-political landscape of the United States, which had a profound impact on the growing sectional tensions between the North and the South. While changes in the party-political system were not the sole cause of increased sectionalism during this period, they played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape and exacerbating existing divisions.
One of the key developments that contributed to the rise of sectionalism was the disintegration of the Whig party following the presidential election of 1852. The Whig party, which had tried to maintain a delicate balance between its northern and southern factions, found itself torn apart by internal disagreements over the Fugitive Slave Law. The nomination of General Winfield Scott, a hero of the Mexican War, failed to unite the party, leading to a landslide victory for the Democrat Franklin Pierce. This marked the end of the Whig party and paved the way for a realignment of political forces along sectional lines.
The emergence of the Republican Party in 1854 further solidified the divide between the North and the South. The Republican Party, founded as a purely Northern party with an anti-slavery platform, galvanized Northern sentiment and antagonized many Southerners who viewed it as a threat to their way of life. The rise of the Republican Party highlighted the growing sectional divisions within the political system and exacerbated tensions between the North and the South.
In addition to changes in the party-political system, other factors also contributed to increased sectionalism during this period. The enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act, which required the capture and return of runaway slaves, generated significant controversy in the North, where many viewed it as a violation of individual rights. Conversely, in the South, the act was seen as a necessary component of the Compromise of 1850 and essential for preserving the institution of slavery. The debates surrounding the Fugitive Slave Act further highlighted the deepening divide between the North and the South.
The events in 'Bleeding Kansas' also fueled sectional tensions during this period. The implementation of Popular Sovereignty in Kansas led to a conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers, resulting in violent confrontations and rival state governments. The violence in Kansas served as a microcosm of the larger sectional conflict and heightened tensions between the North and the South.
While changes in the party-political system played a significant role in increasing sectionalism during the period 1850-56, other factors such as the Fugitive Slave Act and the events in 'Bleeding Kansas' also contributed to the escalation of tensions between the North and the South. The combination of these factors created a volatile political environment that set the stage for the even greater sectional conflict that would erupt in the years leading up to the Civil War.
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To what extent were changes in the party-political system the cause of increased sectionalism in the period 1850–56?
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Possible discussions over changes in the party-political system:
- The presidential election of 1852 marked the beginning of the end of the Whig party. With its northern and southern wings divided over the Fugitive Slave Law, the best the party could do was to nominate another hero of the Mexican War, General Winfield Scott. The Democrats turned away from Millard Fillmore, Taylor's vice president, who had succeeded to the presidency upon Taylor's death in 1850 and chose Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire as their candidate. Although both parties supported the Compromise of 1850, the Democrats were able to better overcome their internal differences, and Pierce won a landslide victory in the Electoral College, 254 to 42. This was the end for the Whigs and caused realignment across the whole political spectrum.
- The foundation of the Republican Party in 1854 encouraged renewed sectional tensions. It was a political party which was clearly aimed at just the Northern section and was designed to fight for their views. This caused outrage amongst many Southerners even those who had previously been seen as moderate. It showed that the political system was becoming increasingly split along sectional lines.
Possible discussion of other factors causing sectional division:
- The application of the Fugitive Slave Act which was included in the Compromise of 1850 caused sectional tensions to increase. Many Northerners felt that being made to capture and return fugitive slaves was against their constitutional rights. On the other hand, Southern public opinion felt it was part of the commitment of the Compromise to not destroying slavery completely. The continuing discussions over the Fugitive Slave Act meant that tensions were constantly being brought to the fore.
- The events in ‘Bleeding Kansas’ led to increased sectional tensions. Following the decision that Popular Sovereignty (Kansas-Nebraska Act, 1854) would be used the state was flooded by pro-slavery settlers and abolitionists wanting to vote in elections and decide how the state should be run. Two rival state capitals were set up; one that was pro-slavery in Lecompton and the abolitionists in Topeka. The tensions led to open warfare in the territory between pro and anti-slavery settlers and increasingly violent discourse across the country.
Accept any other valid responses.