In the book, American Nations by Woodard, The union of States was quite fragile in the late 18th century and early 19th century with strong regional rivalries and cultural differences between Yankeedom and neighbors to the South, especially Tidewater and the Appalachian Borderlands. New England seriously contemplated secession from the union and refused to participate in the War of 1812 against England. Help us understand some of the cultural and political issues that created these divisions in loyalty in the new country.