DISCUSSION ESSAY
We have ended our class in 1865 at the end of the Civil War, a bloody conflict fought to maintain the union of the United States after Southern states refused to accept the winner of the 1860 election. Although slavery is perhaps the most divisive issue that has confronted the nation, it is not the only issue that has divided the nation. Please discuss how the following issues have divided the nation. Be sure to give specific examples:
-Gender: Differing ideas of gender roles? Key figures who challenged gender norms/restrictions?
–Political parties: How did the parties come to be? What were the differing party ideologies? Who were their leaders?
–States’ Rights: Although we have clarified that the Southern Confederacy was fighting for slavery and white supremacy, there were other divisive issues concerning states’ rights dating back to the Revolution and the Articles of Confederation and Constitution – what were they?