In May of 1854, Nebraska and Kansas wanted to become states. However, the issue arose over whether or not these states should have slavery. Both states were above the Missouri Compromise Line, which should have made them free states. Despite this previously accepted agreement Stephen Arnold Douglas, the Democratic Senator of Illinois, sponsored the Kansas Nebraska Act instead. The act stated that the states should decide over the issue of slavery through popular sovereignty. The issue of slavery of these states was crucial to the entire union not just the two states. During this time the free to slavery state count was even. Depending on how these states became this balance could be effected giving one side more power. In attempts to alter the votes towards the choice of their favor, many people moved to Kansas and Nebraska to vote over slavery. In this mass influx of people small wars over the controversy of slavery erupted. This fighting would later be called "Bloody Kansas." Overall, the fighting and tension would lead to the Civil War.
Sectionalism
This event demonstrates sectionalism because there was a divide between the people over slavery. The people were so divided that they were willing to turn to violence for their cause. The sectionalism occurring in Nebraska and Kansas during the time would later be amplified in the division of the entire country in the Civil War.