Mexican-American War Sectionalism

Words: 408
Pages: 2

Sectionalism is the divide between the North and South over the issue of slavery. Westward Expansion, which was the United States gaining territory in the west, was the main factor of sectionalism due to the conflict over slavery. Westward Expansion greatly divided the country due to the Mexican-American War and the debate over slavery, and although compromises were made to alleviate some tensions, it could not stop the development of sectionalism between 1820-1850.
The Mexican-American War was a war over territory; the U.S. wanted Mexican land. Many people opposed the Mexican-American War because they believed that President Polk deliberately wanted war for the opportunity to gain territory, and not for the good of the country. (Brinkley 347).