Lesson 2: Road to War
What were the ideological and political disagreements that led to the Civil War?
Sectionalism
While farming was dominant in all sections of the country prior to 1860, substantial regionalization occurred as the North developed a factory system for manufactured goods, the South relied on a plantation economy, and the West developed family farms specializing in grains for eastern markets. Thus, each region developed both a specialization and a dependency on the others.
Nativism
Additionally, a significant number of international migrants continued to arrive in the United States from Europe and Asia, mainly from Ireland and Germany, often settling in ethnic communities where they could preserve elements of their languages and customs. A strongly anti-Catholic nativist movement arose that was aimed at limiting new immigrants’ political power and cultural influence.
Read the summary and ruling for People v. Hall. Be prepared to respond to the discussion questions.
Sectional Issues
Read the sectional framework and the typical individuals.
Decide how each would respond to the situations listed in the chart on page 3.
Answer the questions at the end.
How did different regional interests affect debates about the role of the federal government in the early republic?
Sectional Issues.pdf
Click or tap the icon for the reading.
"Sectional Crisis"
How did policy makers compromise over the question of slavery in the West?
What did the various political parties stand for in the 1850s?
What was more significant, the Dred Scott decision or the Kansas and Nebraska Act?
How did conflict over states’ rights contribute to sectional conflict?
Why did the South secede?
Government Actions
Follow the directions on the PDF.
Government Actions - Slavery.pdfThe sectionalism that led to this crisis began before the establishment of the United States. Geographic differences led to economic differences. Combine the economic differences with social differences and we have political sectionalism as a result of totality of the situation.
Skills Packet
"Causation: American Civil War"
Verso
App
Debate: Road to War
Round 1
Based on your assigned topic, develop an argument in response to the question: Is conflict justified when you can't compromise?
Round 2
Go to Verso App to complete the debate. Use your assigned topic and at least one other to argue the most significant causes of the Civil War.
Road to War Debate themes.pdfElection of 1860 and Secession
Copy of House Divided.pdfSkills Packet
"Interpretation: Causes of the Civil War"
"Interpretation: Causes of the Civil War II"
