The ever expanding nation of the United States and its national unity suffered more than it benifitted between 1800 and 1850.

The precursor to territorial expansion was Thomas Jefferson's Louisianna Purchase. This led to manifest destiny, the idea that God wants the U.S. to spread from "sea to shining sea."

However, with expansion came conflict. As the territorries entered the Union, the issue of slavery was put on hold and left living and breathing in the South. Stepen A. Douglas (seemingly) sought to allow the continuation of slavery with a policy of Popular Soverignty. His own unbiased opinion put him at odds with abolitionists and southern slave holders.

Further issues arose with the Mexican cession and the Compromise of 1850. Southerners were angry with the disputed territory going to New Mexico and not to Texas. Also, slave trade was abolished in the nations capitol. Northerners and especially radical republicans were...