Explanation:
Since the time of British colonization in the New World, sectionalism had a major role in American politics. Differing geography and climates had led to the development of varying types of economics within the states. While the north dominated in shipbuilding, trade, and industrialization, the south became dependent on the growth of cotton, rice, tobacco, and indigo for revenue. Such contrasting economics led to different attitudes towards the welfare of the nation, particularly those which involved slavery, and views most often fell along sectioned lines. Populations among the states began to distrust one another. When a movement known as the abolitionist movement arose in the 1830s the northern majority had begun to see slavery for what it truly was. In 1859, after the John Brown attack, many living in the south feared that the North would soon resort to violence to take away slavery. The debate of slavery was argued many times in Congress and compromises such as the Missouri Compromise were enacted. These compromises only expanded the tension between the northern and southern states. With a growing distrust and the questioning of government authority, the South felt more oppressed than ever. Finally, by the early 1860s, it became clear that compromises were no longer a viable solution. Section tensions swarmed in the civil war and the role of the federal government would greatly range in terms of race relations and economic development during the period between 1860 and 1877.
With the start of the American Civil, a greater need for war products was drastically needed. The federal government’s debt increased due to the Union purchasing supplies from factories in the northern states. With this surge in the northern economy, American households were able to make more and inflation arose. With inflation came the printing of more currency to pay off debts. A growth in wage also meant that Americans were able to expand, industrialize, and advance much more after the war. The south on the other hand, was in economic ruin during the war. The South depended on large plantation to grow crops for income. With the Union blockading all trade between Europe and the South crops suddenly lost immense value. The South knew that the longer the war would go on, the greater the economic ruin. In the North, the economy flourished as more and more products were being made and purchased. The federal government during the time range played the role of boosting the Northern economy. When President Lincoln entered the Civil War along with the promise of preserving the Union, the promise of abolishing slavery, was added the turmoil of the conflict. Prior to the Civil War, race relations had mostly been left under the jurisdiction of states’ institutions. It became clear that that role was now to be filled by the Government.
In terms of economic development, the Civil War and Reconstruction Era was a boom for industry in the North. New industrial innovation continued to be made after the war and factories became prolific in cities in the North. Since progressive reforms were yet to be made, factory owners were able to exploit their work force, which had become primarily immigrant by the 1870s. In addition, better communication systems in the North had helped in scoring a Union Victory. Railroads, canals, and turnpikes connected various parts of the Northern to Western regions. This period of time would open the door to nearly half a century of unlawful practices by railroad owners, including pooling, related, and monopolies. The federal government took a laissez far since in terms of economic development, and the supreme court, consistently began to turn in favor of big business. The Civil War Ear and Reconstruction Period set the stage for private industry to thrive, and further stratification among social classes. Additionally, the Feder government played a further role in economics by advancing a new nations currency system. This would provide a song monetary banking system. With all of this happening the Federal Government growth was immense as it seemed it was needed everywhere. Whether it was building railroads or communication lines, to rebuilding the Southern economy, during the late 1800s and early 1900s the Federal Government helped push the nation to prosperity.
