When the U.S. Constitution was first created and signed, America was a small country with a tiny population. As the country expanded to the south and the west, citizens became more loyal to their state or region and not to the overall nation. This book explores the concept of nationalism, the conditions in the United States that encouraged its growth, and the struggle to preserve the Union despite cultural and political differences within the country. Important elements of nationalism discussed in this book include political parties and elections; policies and programs; people and society; economics, trade, and transportation; and much more.