In regard to regional divisiveness, what effect did the Abolitionist Movement exhibit?

The Abolitionist Movement significantly estranged slave owners and abolitionists due to the deep ideological divide it highlighted between those who supported slavery and those who sought its immediate end. Abolitionists, through their activism, literature, and social movements, brought attention to the harsh realities of slavery, creating a stark contrast to the economic and social systems upheld by slaveholders. This division led to increased animosity between the two groups, as abolitionists portrayed slavery as a moral evil that needed to be eradicated, while slave owners viewed abolitionist rhetoric as a direct threat to their livelihoods and way of life. This animosity was further exacerbated by violent confrontations and inflammatory debates, which entrenched both sides in their positions and contributed to the larger sectional conflict that would culminate in the Civil War.