While there were certainly factors leading up to the American Civil War that could have been addressed or handled differently, ultimately the conflict arose from deeply entrenched political and social differences between the Northern and Southern states. The issue of slavery was a major catalyst, and compromise on this issue proved impossible. Both sides were entrenched in their positions, and willing to fight to preserve their way of life. While efforts could have been made to find common ground and resolve conflicts peacefully, the causes of the Civil War were complex and deeply rooted, making it difficult to say with certainty that it could have been avoided entirely.