Question

analyze how western expansion contributed to growing sectional tensions between the north and the south and the eventual secession crisis followed by a civil war. confine your answer to the period from 1800 to 1861.

Answer 1

Westward expansion was only an issue of political contention because of slavery. While Southern states wanted to see the protection and expansion of slavery and hence the protection and expansion of their economic rights, Northern states wanted to see the expansion of industry and wage paying jobs.