Introduction

Question 1

background

Answer 1

Throughout the 1850s America arguably grew into a country of sections as economic and cultural differences between the North and South started to become more prominent, with the issue of slavery being the main divider. The South’s economy was reliant on slavery, whereas the Norths wasn’t. The division ultimately resulted in some Southern states seceding, provoking a War between the North and South.

Question 2

factors

Answer 2

Whilst historians are in agreement that sectional tension was growing during this time, historians such as Susan - Mary Grant argue that the economic gulf between the North and South was not particularly significant and didn’t contribute to the sectionalism debate. Other historians such as James McPherson argue that the states of the North presented as an exceptional industrial growth compared to its Southern counterpart. Whereas historians such as Charles and Mary beard argue that the South was more agrarian than the North.

Question 3

line of argument

Answer 3

This essay will argue that there was a significant economic gulf between the North and South in the 1850s due to their differing economic features.