What were the main factors that shaped the US in the years after the signing of the const. & before civilwar?

What were the key historical events and decisive issues that escalated sectional tensions? What efforts were made to defuse sectional strife? Why did compromises seem to fail? To what extent did industrialization help foster sectionalism? To what extent did sectionalism contribute to the growth, division and demise of national political parties? Why and how did control of the West become the focal point of sectional strife?