• The North had industrialized at a much faster rate than the South. As the North's economy moved from mainly agriculture to a manufacturing base, the profits created by slavery did not make the institution worthwhile.
• New England's economy was based on trade, shipping, and manufacturing, which required free workers who could move easily from place to place.
• Northern businesses did not rely as heavily on agriculture as did the southern economy.
Social reasons:
• The North was more urbanized and had a more diverse population than the South. The presence of large numbers of free black people and white immigrants made slavery less acceptable.
• The North had a stronger tradition of religious and political equality. Northern religious groups were more likely to condemn slavery as a sin.
• Many northerners were opposed to the expansion of slavery into the new territories in the West. They feared that adding new slave states would lead to war with the South and create an unfair advantage for southern politicians in the federal government.
Political reasons:
• By 1860, the North had a majority in the House of Representatives and the Electoral College. This made it difficult for the South to pass laws that would protect slavery.
• Northerners were more likely to vote for candidates who supported the abolition of slavery.
• The North had more powerful political leaders who were opposed to slavery, such as Abraham Lincoln.