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Sectionalism is a tendency among sections of a country to develop a distinct identity based on ethnicity, customs, laws, language, economics, or culture. Since the 18th century, this has led to many revolutions as people have tried to establish their right to self-determination, which is why sectionalism is often a precursor to separatism. In a political context, sectionalism is loyalty to the interests of one's own region or section of the country, rather than the nation as a whole. Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... Self-determination is a principle in international law that a people ought to be able to determine their own governmental forms and structure free from outside influence. ... “Separatists” redirects here. ...

One intstance of sectionalism began in America in the 1850s. By then, the North and the South were loyal only to their interests, not the interests of the country. One example was the Wilmot Proviso, which proposed an end to slavery in all territory won by Mexico. The bill was defeated and the North and the South continued to argue over the issue of slavery. When Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860, the South felt as though their voice no longer mattered in Washington. As a result, South Carolina eventually seceded on December 20th, 1860. Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas were quick to follow.

 This led to the American Civil War.