Sectionalism refers to:
C. life in the North was very different than life in the South.
During the pre-Civil War era in the United States, sectionalism was a significant factor that contributed to the Civil War. It refers to the distinct differences and interests between the Northern states and the Southern states. These differences included economic systems (industrialized North versus agrarian South), attitudes towards slavery, social structures, and political beliefs. Sectionalism heightened tensions between the North and the South, leading to conflicts over issues like states' rights, tariffs, and the expansion of slavery into new territories. Ultimately, these differences in lifestyle, economy, and ideology fueled the growing divide that culminated in the outbreak of the Civil War.