zuai-logo

Sectional Conflict: Regional Differences

Joseph Brown

Joseph Brown

8 min read

Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers mid-1800s immigration (German, Irish, and West Coast), nativism, and the resulting social tensions. It then examines sectional tensions over slavery, including key issues like its expansion, abolitionism, the Fugitive Slave Act, and the Dred Scott Decision. Finally, it explores the impact of pro- and anti-slavery literature, like Uncle Tom's Cabin, on the escalating conflict.

AP US History Study Guide: Immigration & Sectionalism (Night Before Edition) 🚀

Hey there, future AP US History champ! Let's get you prepped and confident for tomorrow. We're going to break down the key stuff on immigration and sectional tensions, making sure everything's crystal clear and easy to remember. Let's do this! 💪

Immigration Changes in the USA 🌍

Immigration patterns and the resulting social tensions are crucial for understanding the mid-1800s. This period saw significant shifts in demographics and cultural clashes.

  • Mid-1800s Immigration Wave:
    • Germans 🇩🇪 and Irish 🇮🇪 Catholics arrived in large numbers, especially in Northern cities.
    • This influx changed the US demographic makeup, particularly in urban areas.
Quick Fact

Remember: Irish immigrants often faced discrimination due to their Catholic faith and were often relegated to lower-paying jobs.

- **Nativist Backlash:** - **Nativism** emerged: the belief that long-term residents needed protection from recent immigrants. - The **American Party (Know-Nothing Party)** formed, fueled by anti-immigrant sentiment. - Increased interest in **temperance** (anti-alcohol movement) was partly driven by anti-immigrant sentiments. - **Ethnic Neighborhoods:** - Immigrants often settled in ethnic enclaves to preserve their culture and due to racism. -
Quick Fact

Think of these neighborhoods as mini-homelands, offering a sense of community and familiarity.

- **West Coast Tensions:** - In California, there was backlash against **Mexicans**, ***Californios***, and **Chinese** immigrants. - These groups were often seen as competition for jobs and land resources (mining, ranching).
Memory Aid

Think of the acronym G.I.N. (Germans, Irish, Nativism) to remember the main players in the immigration story of this era. This will help you recall the main groups and the reactions they faced.

Sectional Tensions Over Slavery ⚔️

The conflict over slavery is THE central tension that led to the Civil War. Understand its nuances, and you'll ace this section.

  • North vs. South:
    • North: Largely abolished slavery, opposed its expansion.
    • South: Relied on slavery for its economy and society, saw abolition as a threat.
Key Concept

This fundamental economic and social difference was the core of the conflict.

  • Key Issues Fueling Tension:
    • Expansion of Slavery:
      • Disagreement over whether new territories should be free or slave states.
      • **Missour...
Previous Topic - The Compromise of 1850Next Topic - Failure of Compromise