- Published: January 14, 2022
- Updated: January 14, 2022
- University / College: Indiana University Bloomington
- Level: Intermediate School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 19
Cultural Divisions effect on Political Compromises Made over Slavery Cultural Divisions effect on Political Compromises Made over Slavery
The main cultural divisions during the slavery era in United States were North and South. North and South had different stances on the slavery. The aspects of the culture from the two divisions affected the political compromises made on slavery. The culture of North was anchored in politics and economic stability while the South thrived on the agricultural economy and the institution of slavery because it gave them free labor. The financial and industrial sector in North was doing well by 19th century contrary to South that held on to slave labor to propel the growth of plantations. Southern people feared that the North would gain strength and push abolition of slavery. The regional conflict between the North and South affected the political environment. The Missouri Compromise of 1820 saw the Northerners getting from the Union and formed a new slave state called Missouri while Maine became a slavery-free territory. The stands of North and South on slavery also influenced the compromise of 1850 that gave rise to doctrine of states’ rights (Brands, Breen, Williams & Gross, 2012).
Both divisions were pushing for a state that would have equal leaders from slave and Free states. However, the compromise led to a bigger conflict that divided the two regions even further than in the beginning. Anti-slavery call inspired Abraham Lincoln rise to presidency. The North backed his candidacy because his victory would automatically impose their will on South. The Southern states did not have him on the ballot, but he won and brought moderate rule on slavery. The Southern states believed that Lincoln was against them. However, Lincoln did not have plans of violating doctrine of states’ rights in a bid to deal with the tension between the North and the South.
Reference
Brands, H., Breen, T., Williams, R., & Gross, A. (2012). American stories (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
