The period before the Civil War is known for the vast expansion of the United States. Slavery affected many aspects of unity and discord between the Northern and Southern states, particularly in political, economic, and social debates. In addition, certain cultural factors have caused unions and divergences between different religious groups. Westward expansion affected the United States politically, economically, socially, and culturally in ways that sometimes unified them but also, in some cases, separated them. During the period between 1815 and 1861, political problems within the states caused separation and unity. at the same time. With the mass movement of people west to Texas and California, many conflicts arose over slavery. The Southern states wanted the new states to be slave states, while the Northern states felt they should be free states. This argument continued to rage until 1850, when Henry Clay formed the Compromise of 1850. The compromise essentially decided that the disputed lands of New Mexico were not part of Texas and that California should not be divided into a free and slave state. was to remain a simple free state. With this new compromise and the Missouri Compromise that divided the slave and free states at the 35th parallel, the nation was split in two, creating two distinct sides of the country. This paved the way for both sides of the Civil War. However, westward expansion also created some unity between the states. For the most part, the northern and southern states wanted to extend the borders of the United States to the Pacific Ocean. This led both sides to support the Mexican War and agree to the annexation of Texas. Westward expansion brought about both... middle of article... groups like these, united many people sharing similar ideals and ethics that in some cases would provide a stronger unit which side they would take during the Civil War. The political, economic, social, and cultural changes brought about by the westward expansion of the United States had much to do with its unity and separation. Politically and economically, slavery caused Northern and Southern states to fight over where it should be allowed and why. While socially, slavery posed a moral threat throughout the country, triggering unscrupulous feelings on both sides about the morality of the other's existence. Additionally, many people moving west sought religious sovereignty or sanctuary from persecution. The westward movement of the United States proved to be the basis and tipping point of the Civil War..