The events leading to the Civil War caused chaos in the emerging U.S. political parties as the second party system gave way to new, sometimes temporary parties. Consider how slavery and sectionalism affected U. S. politics.
- Based on the different parties that emerged from 1846 through 1861, what do you think were the three most prominent events that affected U.S. politics?
- Why does each of the events you’ve chosen seem prominent to you?