Ok, so here's the question:

In the early nineteenth century, Americans sought to resolve their political disputes through compromise, yet by the 1860's this no longer seemed possible. Analyze the reasons for this change.

I think my brain turned off. The documents include Henry Clay's speech to the senate, "Declaration of the National Anti-Slavery convention", an editorial cartoon depicting the whole cane episode in the House, the "Resolution of the Pinkney Convention" and Daniel Webster's speech to the senate,a map showing the split of the presidential election of 1860, and a section of an Abraham Lincoln speech.

I hate to whine, but I'm stuck, and I'm tired. So please help me. What would you mention?