Sectional tensions and the emergence of mass politics Origins of the American Civil War

frederick douglass

the politicians of 1850s acting in society in traditional restraints suppressed sectional conflict in 1820s , 1850s– important of being stability of two-party system– being eroded rapid extension of democracy went forward in north , south. era when mass political party galvanized voter participation 80% or 90% turnout rates, , time in politics formed essential component of american mass culture. historians agree political involvement larger concern average american in 1850s today. politics was, in 1 of functions, form of mass entertainment, spectacle rallies, parades, , colorful personalities. leading politicians, moreover, served focus popular interests, aspirations, , values.

historian allan nevins, instance, writes of political rallies in 1856 turnouts of anywhere twenty fifty thousand men , women. voter turnouts ran high 84% 1860. abundance of new parties emerged 1854–56, including republicans, people s party men, anti-nebraskans, fusionists, know-nothings, know-somethings (anti-slavery nativists), maine lawites, temperance men, rum democrats, silver gray whigs, hindus, hard shell democrats, soft shells, half shells , adopted citizens. 1858, gone, , politics divided 4 ways. republicans controlled northern states strong democratic minority. democrats split north , south , fielded 2 tickets in 1860. southern non-democrats tried different coalitions; supported constitutional union party in 1860.

many southern states held constitutional conventions in 1851 consider questions of nullification , secession. exception of south carolina, convention election did not offer option of no secession rather no secession without collaboration of other states , southern conventions dominated unionists voted down articles of secession.