History of North America

Three most important issues that divided the north and south prior to 1840?

1. The issue of slavery. The Southern states were heavily dependent on slavery for their economy, while the Northern states were increasingly opposed to it. This issue was a major factor in the rise of the abolitionist movement in the North, and it was a key factor in the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.

2. The issue of tariffs. The Southern states were generally opposed to tariffs, which they saw as a tax on their exports, while the Northern states were generally in favor of tariffs, which they saw as a way to protect their industries. This issue was a major factor in the Nullification Crisis of 1832-1833.

3. The issue of states' rights. The Southern states were generally more in favor of states' rights, while the Northern states were generally more in favor of a strong federal government. This issue was a major factor in the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of 1798-1799, and it was also a key factor in the outbreak of the Civil War.