Sectionalism Vocabulary Annotation Activity

Directions: Use the annotation guide to make notes on the passage below, focusing on key vocabulary.

Sectionalism grew strong in the United States before the Civil War. The North and South had different priorities. These differences led to conflicts and disagreements. The North was more industrial. Factories and cities were more common there. Slave labor had not been used in the North for decades. The South had a different economy based on agriculture. Many farms used slave labor to work the fields. Most people in the South wanted to keep slavery. They believed it was necessary for their economy. Many people, including the people of the North wanted to get rid of, or abolish, slavery in all of America. These abolitionists believed that slavery violated the liberty and natural rights of enslaved people. Sectionalism highlighted these regional differences. Each section of the country had its own goals. These differences made it hard to find common ground. They led to increased tension and conflict. The result was a divided nation with different visions. The Civil War eventually broke out. This showed how deep the divisions were.