NORTH
Geography: There was rocky thin soil in the New England area, and rich soil from Pennsylvania to Iowa area. There were many large forsested areas, and rivers. Econmy:Based on business and manufacturing, and used steam powered machines. Was also based on farming, although agriculture was a minor focus. (corn, oats, wheat, barley, and garden vegetables) Transportation: Very developed because of the amount of urbanization and populated cities. Road systems, canals, and steamboats. Canals and steamboats were used to transport tons of manufactured goods. Society: Was very diverse and attracted immagrants because of job oppourtunities, and large urban centers. Was populated by free Blacks because slavery had been abolished in the north in 1830. The factory centers relied on free labor. Many Blacks were in poverty because they weren't really legal citizens. Much urbanization in the North. GGeogra |
SOUTH
Geography:Mild winters, and hot summers. The soil was rich and fertile. Economy:Agriculture was a major focus. Rice, tabacco, and cotton was a cash crop. There were many plantations in the South. Plantation owners rely on slaves. Transportation: Transportation was less advanced. Less than 10,000 miles of railroad, no canals, few roads, and water transportation. Mississppi river was the most traveled waterway. Society: The South was mainly rural. Populated by many plantation owners, and few farmers. Plantation owners played a major part in political, economic, and social power. Slaves had no say in society, but a few made a living being craftsmen and farmers, although they had less freedom than the free Blacks in the north. |
Sectionalism is loyalty to one's region or section of the country, not the country as a whole. Since the Southern state had an agrticultural economy, they needed slaves. But, in the north their economy was based of of manufacturing and business, so slaves weren't really needed, this provided conflict. The North wanted to abolish slavery, but the South wanted to keep it. Also because of the new territory gained by the Mexican-American war, there was to be a decision on whether the new states were going to become free, or slave states. But, choosing one or the other may tip the of beliefs by represenatives in congress.