Sectionalism: Sectionalism refers to the strong loyalty and identity people have towards their own region (North or South) rather than the nation as a whole.
Compromise of 1850: The Compromise of 1850 was a set of laws passed to address disputes over slavery in newly acquired territories from Mexico. It temporarily eased tensions between the North and South but ultimately failed to resolve deeper issues.
Fugitive Slave Act: The Fugitive Slave Act was part of the Compromise of 1850. It required citizens to assist in capturing and returning escaped slaves, intensifying resentment between Northerners who opposed slavery and Southerners who supported it.