Sectionalism is the loyalty or allegiance to a particular region or section of a country rather than to the country as a whole. It can lead to divisions and conflicts between different regions within a country, often based on economic, social, or political differences. Sectionalism was particularly prevalent in the United States during the 19th century, leading to tensions between the North and South over issues such as slavery, tariffs, and states' rights. These tensions eventually contributed to the outbreak of the American Civil War.
