Final answer:
The depression of the late 1850s, known as the Panic of 1857, affected northerners' political views by causing frustration and blaming the South. A coalition of northern Republicans and Democrats pushed for measures to prevent future economic problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The depression of the late 1850s, known as the Panic of 1857, had a significant impact on northerners' political views. The economic downturn led to widespread job losses in the North, causing frustration and anger among the population. Many northerners blamed the South for the crisis, accusing them of demanding low tariffs.
In response, a coalition of northern Republicans and Democrats pushed for an increase in tariffs and other measures to prevent future economic problems. This political tension and blame between the North and South worsened sectional tensions on the issue of slavery.