1. Attitudes Towards Slavery:
North:
* Slavery was widely condemned as a moral and social wrong.
* Many northern states had already abolished slavery before the Civil War.
* There was a strong abolitionist movement that campaigned for the immediate and unconditional emancipation of enslaved individuals.
South:
* Slavery was seen as a necessary institution for the maintenance of the agricultural economy and social order.
* Slavery was deeply embedded in the Southern way of life, with many Southerners believing it to be a positive good.
* Many whites held racist beliefs that justified the subordination and oppression of Black individuals.
2. Social Treatment and Segregation:
North:
* Although racial discrimination existed, it was generally less pronounced compared to the South.
* There were some mixed-race communities, and some Black individuals achieved success in various fields, including politics and education.
South:
* Racial segregation was widespread and strictly enforced.
* Black people faced numerous legal restrictions, known as "Jim Crow laws," which limited their rights, access to public spaces, and opportunities for education and employment.
* Interracial marriages were prohibited in many Southern states.
3. Role of the Federal Government:
North:
* Many Northern politicians, especially in the Republican Party, advocated for the abolition of slavery and the granting of equal rights to Black citizens.
* The federal government, under the leadership of President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, took steps to abolish slavery and promote racial equality.
South:
* The Southern states strongly resisted federal intervention in matters related to slavery and race relations.
* They defended states' rights and argued for the preservation of the institution of slavery as a matter of states' sovereignty.
4. Impact of the Civil War:
North:
* The Union victory in the Civil War led to the emancipation of enslaved individuals through the Emancipation Proclamation and, eventually, the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery nationwide.
* There were efforts to advance racial equality and civil rights for Black Americans, although significant challenges persisted.
South:
* The defeat in the Civil War brought an end to slavery, but it did not immediately result in full equality for Black people.
* Many Southern states implemented policies that maintained segregation and discrimination, leading to the persistence of racial inequality for decades to come.
In conclusion, the attitudes and practices regarding slavery and race relations in the North and South of the United States during the 19th century were markedly different, ultimately contributing to the conflict that culminated in the Civil War. The North's condemnation of slavery and support for racial equality stood in stark contrast to the South's defense of slavery and the systemic discrimination that defined the Southern social order.