Sectional literature either attacking or supporting slavery generally emerged in the United States beginning in the mid-1830s, as sectional differences became more pronounced. In general, literature favoring slavery argued that the institution was beneficial to both the slaves and society -- a "positive good." Literature attacking slavery addressed the immorality of the institution. Many believe that pro-slavery literature originated primarily in the Deep South, but recent studies have shown that pro-slavery literature proliferated in both the North and the South.

After taking the city of Atlanta and driving Confederate General Hood from Georgia, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman made one of the most brilliant decisions of the American Civil War. As Hood and his army invaded Tennessee in order to draw Sherman out of Georgia, Sherman decided to cut loose from his base of supply and march his entire army from Atlanta to either Savannah or Augusta.

On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected the sixteenth President of the United States. The election of Lincoln to the presidency was the final blow to the South and led directly to the breakup of the Union.