The Southern states relied heavily on slavery, and the Northern states were increasingly opposed to it. The issue became even more contentious when new states were added to the Union, and the question arose whether slavery would be allowed in these new states. The Southern states were determined to protect their way of life, while the Northern states were determined to put an end to the practice of slavery.
The Civil War began in 1861 when Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The war lasted four years and resulted in the emancipation of the slaves and the abolition of slavery in the United States.