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Lesson

Development of Sectionalism and Rising Tensions

Guiding question

How did the expansion of slavery into new territories intensify sectional tensions?

Grade
6–8
Published
Sep 4, 2025
Political map of the United States highlighting free and slave states, with portraits of historical figures above.

Founding Principles

Majority Rule / Minority Rights, Representative / Republican Government, Natural/Inalienable Rights

Virtues

Courage, Respect

Guiding Questions

  • How did the expansion of slavery into new territories intensify sectional tensions?
  • What were the major compromises and their impact on the nation?

Objectives

  • Students will…
    • Analyze how key events contributed to rising tensions between the North and South.
    • Identify and define key vocabulary related to sectionalism.
    • Interpret historical images to understand the economic and social differences between regions.
    • Sequence and evaluate major compromises and events that escalated sectional conflict.

Materials

Student Resources:

Teacher Resources:

  • 7p*ARTS Slide for class display (educator to create)

Lesson Components

ActivityAnalyzing Primary Sources with 7 p*ARTS of Speech Graphic Organizer

Analyze how key events contributed to rising tensions between the North and South.

Lesson plan

Click a phase to open it

More Information

Facilitation Notes

This lesson revisits an activity students may recognize from Unit 2: American Revolution: Rising Tensions Thermometer. It also integrates vocabulary routines and visual analysis strategies designed to scaffold understanding of complex historical ideas.

Standards

Check whether this resource aligns with your state’s standards →