- Economic and political divisions: The North was industrialized and experienced rapid growth, while the South was predominantly agricultural and relied heavily on slavery. This economic disparity created tensions and conflicts over resources, trade, and political influence. The unequal distribution of power and representation in the federal government further fueled resentments.
- Cultural differences: The Northern and Southern states had distinct social and cultural identities, leading to clashes over values, lifestyles, and beliefs. The issue of slavery was particularly divisive as it represented fundamentally different views on human rights, labor, and the power structure of society.
2. The institution of slavery:
- The expansion or restriction of slavery in new territories: The question of whether slavery should be allowed to expand into newly acquired territories or be restricted to existing slave states was a highly contentious issue. The disagreement led to debates in Congress, the emergence of anti-slavery and pro-slavery factions, and heightened tensions between the North and the South.
3. Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857):
- This Supreme Court decision ruled that enslaved people were not citizens and could not sue in federal court. It exacerbated tensions between the North and the South and deepened divisions over the legality and morality of slavery.
4. John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry (1859):
- Abolitionist John Brown's attempt to incite a slave rebellion by raiding a federal armory in Virginia shocked the nation and further radicalized both pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.
5. The election of Abraham Lincoln (1860):
- The Republican Party candidate and anti-slavery advocate Abraham Lincoln's victory in the presidential election of 1860 was seen as a direct threat to the institution of slavery by Southern states. This event pushed several Southern states to secede from the Union, triggering the start of the Civil War.