Final Activity: Synthesizing Sectionalism in Five Sentences
For this activity, you will write a concise 5-sentence essay connecting the ideas from all five documents to explain how sectionalism contributed to the Civil War. Use the documents to reflect on key themes such as the economic importance of slavery, the tensions caused by territorial expansion, the population dynamics between free and slave states, the political divisions in Congress, and the human impact of slavery. Each sentence should focus on one of these themes, and together they should create a cohesive argument. Once you’ve written your essay, review it to ensure it flows smoothly and clearly addresses how sectionalism led to conflict. Be prepared to share your essay or discuss your ideas with the class.