Question

petition of a great number of blacks detained in a state of slavery in the bowels of a free christian country humbly showeth that... they have in common with all other men a natural and inalienable right to that freedom which the great parent of the universe has bestowed equally on all mankind, and which they have never forfeited by any compact or agreement whatever.... every principle from which america has acted in the course of her unhappy difficulties with great britain pleads stronger than a thousand arguments in favor of your petitioners. we therefore humbly beseech your honors to give this petition its due weight and consideration, and cause an act of the legislature to be passed, whereby they may be restored to the enjoyment of that freedom which is the natural right of all men. petition to the massachusetts house of representatives, january 1777
5 mark for review
arguments such as that in the excerpt contributed most directly to which of the following in the nineteenth century?
a the extension of equal civil rights to african americans in northern states
b a growing sectional divide about slavery and its expansion
c the migration of african americans from the rural south to the urban north
d the abolition of slavery in the southern states

Explanation:

The petition emphasizes the natural - born right to freedom of blacks. In the 19th century, such arguments contributed to the growing divide between the North and South over slavery and its expansion. The North was more inclined towards abolitionist ideals, while the South depended on slave - based agriculture. This led to a widening sectional divide.

Answer:

B. A growing sectional divide about slavery and its expansion