Sectionalism and Nationalism

300 Words2 Pages
The events leading up to sectionalism and nationalism within the early 19th century were the Monroe Doctrine, Missouri Compromise, Tariff of Abomination, and the four court cases held under Chief Justice, John Marshall. The Monroe Doctrine was an outcome of the idea to expand the nation and furthermore increased nationalism within the country. It also said that the U.S. would state out of European affairs, and ultimately showed that the Country itself was a world power. The Missouri Compromise, while dividing free and slave states, increased sectionalism by placing the interests of each state ahead of the nation as a whole. The tariff of abominations increased sectionalism as well between the north and south regions by giving economic preferences to the northern states. During Monroe’s presidency several Supreme Court cases promoted nationalism by strengthening the federal government. In McCullough v. ML the court refused to allow a state to tax a national bank, claiming the federal government’s power. In Gibbons V. Ogden the court ruled that only federal government could regulate interstate commerce. In Cohens v. VA the authority of the court to review state criminal cases on appeal was established. And in the last case, Fletcher v. Peck it was stated that states couldn’t interfere with public/private contracts and that this could not be repealed even if corruption was involved. Under John Marshall the Supreme Court made the powers of the Federal government clear and stronger. Therefore, a stronger federal government meant an increasing nationalist spirit. During the early 19th century there were many varieties in American nationalism and sectionalism. Many events posted a threat of sectionalism where as other events were unifiying america as a whole through nationalism. These events include the Monroe Doctrine, the Missouri Compromise, Tarriff O.A, and the
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