History of North America

What actually caused the civil war?

1. Slavery

The primary cause of the Civil War was the issue of slavery. The Southern states were heavily dependent on slavery, as it formed the basis of their agricultural economy. The Northern states, on the other hand, were mostly industrial and were increasingly opposed to slavery. The election of Abraham Lincoln, who was openly opposed to the expansion of slavery, in 1860 was the final straw for the Southern states, leading to their secession from the Union and the start of the Civil War.

2. States' Rights

Closely related to the issue of slavery was the question of states' rights. The Southern states argued that they had the right to decide for themselves whether or not to allow slavery within their borders. They saw the federal government's attempts to restrict slavery as a violation of their sovereignty.

3. Economic Differences

The North and South had different economic systems. The South was an agricultural society, while the North was an industrial society. The North was more populous and had a more diversified economy. The South was more dependent on slave labor and produced mainly cotton.

4. Political Differences

The North and South had different political systems. The South was largely controlled by a planter aristocracy, while the North was more democratic. The North had a two-party system, while the South was dominated by the Democratic Party.

5. Cultural Differences

The North and South had different cultures. The North was more secular and urban, while the South was more religious and rural. The North was more tolerant of different religions and races, while the South was more intolerant.

These were the main causes of the Civil War. It was a complex conflict with many dimensions, but at its core, it was a war over slavery and the future of the United States.

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