Final answer:
Sectionalism refers to loyalty and identification towards a specific region, often at the expense of other regions. This narrow-mindedness was a significant factor in the lead up to the Civil War.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sectionalism refers to the loyalty and identification that individuals or groups feel towards a particular region within a country, often to the exclusion or detriment of other regions. It is characterized by narrow-mindedness and a lack of understanding or empathy for perspectives outside of one's own region. In the context of American history, sectionalism played a significant role in the lead up to the Civil War, as the North and South developed distinct economic, social, and political interests that led to conflict and eventually the secession of the Southern states.