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The question "what caused the U.S. Civil War?" has been debated since the horrific conflict ended in 1865. As with most wars, however, there was no single cause.

Pressing Issues That Led to the Civil War

The Civil War erupted from a variety of long-standing tensions and disagreements about American life and politics. For nearly a century, the people and politicians of the Northern and Southern states had been clashing over the issues that finally led to war: economic interests, cultural values, the power of the federal government to control the states, and, most importantly, slavery in American society.

While some of these differences might have been resolved peacefully through diplomacy, the institution of slavery was not among them.

With a way of life steeped in age-old traditions of white supremacy and a mainly agricultural economy that depended on the labor of enslaved people, the Southern states viewed enslavement as essential to their very survival.

Slavery in the Economy and Society

At the time of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the enslavement of people not only remained legal in all 13 British American colonies, but it also continued to play a significant role in their economies and societies.

Prior to the American Revolution, the institution of slavery in America had become firmly established as being limited to persons of African ancestry. In this atmosphere, the seeds of white supremacy were sown.

Even when the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1789, very few Black people and no enslaved people were allowed to vote or own property.

However, a growing movement to abolish slavery had led many Northern states to enact abolitionist laws and abandon enslavement. With an economy based more on industry than agriculture, the North enjoyed a steady flow of European immigrants. As impoverished refugees from the potato famine of the 1840s and 1850s, many of these new immigrants could be hired as factory workers at low wages, thus reducing the need for enslaved people in the North.

In the Southern states, longer growing seasons and fertile soils had established an economy based on agriculture fueled by sprawling plantations owned by White people that depended on enslaved people to perform a wide range of duties.

When Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in 1793, cotton became very profitable. This machine was able to reduce the time it took to separate seeds from the cotton. At the same time, the increase in the number of plantations willing to move from other crops to cotton created an even greater need for enslaved people. The Southern economy became a one-crop economy, depending on cotton and, therefore, on enslaved people.

Though it was often supported throughout the social and economic classes, not every White Southerner enslaved people. The population of the pro-slavery states was around 9.6 million in 1850﻿﻿﻿ and only about 350,000 were enslavers.﻿﻿﻿ This included many of the wealthiest families, a number of whom owned large plantations. At the start of the Civil War, at least 4 million enslaved people ﻿﻿﻿ were forced to live and work on the Southern plantations.

In contrast, industry ruled the economy of the North and less emphasis was on agriculture, though even that was more diverse. Many Northern industries were purchasing the South's raw cotton and turning it into finished goods.

This economic disparity also led to irreconcilable differences in societal and political views.

In the North, the influx of immigrants-many from countries that had long since abolished slavery-contributed to a society in which people of different cultures and classes lived and worked together.

The South, however, continued to hold onto a social order based on white supremacy in both private and political life, not unlike that under the rule of racial apartheid that persisted in South Africa for decades.

In both the North and South, these differences influenced views on the powers of the federal government to control the economies and cultures of the states.

States and Federal Rights

Since the time of the American Revolution, two camps emerged when it came to the role of government. Some people argued for greater rights for the states and others argued that the federal government needed to have more control.

The first organized government in the U.S. after the Revolution was under the Articles of Confederation. The 13 states formed a loose Confederation with a very weak federal government. However, when problems arose, the weaknesses of the Articles caused the leaders of the time to come together at the Constitutional Convention and create, in secret, the U.S. Constitution.

Strong proponents of states rights like Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry were not present at this meeting. Many felt that the new Constitution ignored the rights of states to continue to act independently. They felt that the states should still have the right to decide if they were willing to accept certain federal acts.

This resulted in the idea of nullification, whereby the states would have the right to rule federal acts unconstitutional. The federal government denied states this right. However, proponents such as John C. Calhoun -who resigned as vice president to represent South Carolina in the Senate-fought vehemently for nullification. When nullification would not work and many of the Southern states felt that they were no longer respected, they moved toward thoughts of secession.

Pro-slavery States and Free States

As America began to expand-first with the lands gained from the Louisiana Purchase and later with the Mexican War -the question arose of whether new states would be pro-slavery states or free states. An attempt was made to ensure that equal numbers of free states and pro-slavery states were admitted to the Union, but over time this proved difficult.

The Missouri Compromise passed in 1820. This established a rule that prohibited enslavement in states from the former Louisiana Purchase north of the latitude 36 degrees 30 minutes, with the exception of Missouri.

During the Mexican War, the debate began about what would happen with the new territories the U.S. expected to gain upon victory. David Wilmot proposed the Wilmot Proviso in 1846, which would ban enslavement in the new lands. This was shot down amid much debate.

The Compromise of 1850 was created by Henry Clay and others to deal with the balance between pro-slavery states and free states. It was designed to protect both Northern and Southern interests. When California was admitted as a free state, one of the provisions was the Fugitive Slave Act. This held individuals responsible for harboring freedom-seeking enslaved people, even if they were located in free states.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 was another issue that further increased tensions. It created two new territories that would allow the states to use popular sovereignty to determine whether they would be free states or pro-slavery states. The real issue occurred in Kansas where pro-slavery Missourians, called "Border Ruffians," began to pour into the state in an attempt to force it toward slavery.

Problems came to a head with a violent clash at Lawrence, Kansas. This caused it to become known as " Bleeding Kansas." The fight even erupted on the floor of the Senate when anti-slavery proponent Sen. Charles Sumner of Massachusetts was beaten on the head by South Carolina Sen. Preston Brooks.

The Abolitionist Movement

Increasingly, Northerners became more polarized against enslavement. Sympathies began to grow for abolitionists and against enslavement and enslavers. Many in the North came to view enslavement as not just socially unjust, but morally wrong.

The abolitionists came with a variety of viewpoints. People such as William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass wanted immediate freedom for all enslaved people. A group that included Theodore Weld and Arthur Tappan advocated for emancipating enslaved people slowly. Still others, including Abraham Lincoln, simply hoped to keep slavery from expanding.

A number of events helped fuel the cause for abolition in the 1850s. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote " Uncle Tom's Cabin," a popular novel that opened many eyes to the reality of enslavement. The Dred Scott Case brought the issues of enslaved peoples' rights, freedom, and citizenship to the Supreme Court.

Additionally, some abolitionists took a less peaceful route to fighting against slavery. John Brown and his family fought on the anti-slavery side of "Bleeding Kansas." They were responsible for the Pottawatomie Massacre, in which they killed five settlers who were pro-slavery. Yet, Brown's best-known fight would be his last when the group attacked Harper's Ferry in 1859, a crime for which he would hang.

The Election of Abraham Lincoln

The politics of the day were as stormy as the anti-slavery campaigns. All of the issues of the young nation were dividing the political parties and reshaping the established two-party system of Whigs and Democrats.

The Democratic party was divided between factions in the North and South. At the same time, the conflicts surrounding Kansas and the Compromise of 1850 transformed the Whig party into the Republican party (established in 1854). In the North, this new party was seen as both anti-slavery and for the advancement of the American economy. This included the support of industry and encouraging homesteading while advancing educational opportunities. In the South, Republicans were seen as little more than divisive.

The presidential election of 1860 would be the deciding point for the Union. Abraham Lincoln represented the new Republican Party and Stephen Douglas, the Northern Democrat, was seen as his biggest rival. The Southern Democrats put John C. Breckenridge on the ballot. John C. Bell represented the Constitutional Union Party, a group of conservative Whigs hoping to avoid secession.

The country's divisions were clear on Election Day. Lincoln won the North, Breckenridge the South, and Bell the border states. Douglas won only Missouri and a portion of New Jersey. It was enough for Lincoln to win the popular vote, as well as 180 electoral votes.

Even though things were already near a boiling point after Lincoln was elected, South Carolina issued its "Declaration of the Causes of Secession" on December 24, 1860. They believed that Lincoln was anti-slavery and in favor of Northern interests.

President James Buchanan's administration did little to quell the tension or stop what would become known as " Secession Winter." Between Election Day and Lincoln's inauguration in March, seven states seceded from the Union: South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas.

In the process, the South took control of federal installations, including forts in the region, which would give them a foundation for war. One of the most shocking events occurred when one-quarter of the nation's army surrendered in Texas under the command of General David E. Twigg. Not a single shot was fired in that exchange, but the stage was set for the bloodiest war in American history.

Edited by Robert Longley

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What Were the Top 4 Causes of the Civil War?

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The question "what caused the U.S. Civil War?" has been debated since the horrific conflict ended in 1865. As with most wars, however, there was no single cause. The Civil War erupted from a variety of long-standing tensions and disagreements about American life and politics.

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Eli Whitney's Cotton Gin inadvertently quadrupled cotton output and drove the industry and the desire for more enslaved people

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Madison-Morgan Cultural Center Madison, GA

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when the government was first organized they didn't have a very strong federal government, although they did have a stronger confederation. this caused many disagreements towards who should have the power and who shouldn't when problems arose in the u.s
B.A

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it allowed for states to use popular sovereignty to decide if a state would be free or pro slavery.  This led to more tension between the North and the South. (Bridgette L.)

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A conflict started when states didn't agree on a good plan to figure out if the land acquired would be pro-slavery or free.
Aylin M.

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In Lawrence, Kansas, a clash on the senate floor broke out and anti-slavery Sen. Charles Sumner of Massachusetts was beaten on the head by South Carolina Sen. Preston Brooks. The divide between the 2 sides was very strong.

Alex De Jesus

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secession due to disagreement on nullification

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secession due to disagreement on nullification

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The south wanted the right to nullify unconstitutional laws by the federal law (nullification) but the federal government wouldn't allow it. Due to this, the south felt like they weren't respected and wanted to secession. -D.V.

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America was split into two groups when it came to government, those who wanted a stronger government and those who wanted a weaker government
M. M

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The presidential election was the deciding point for the Union. Stephen Douglas, the northern democrat, won Missouri and a portion of new Jersey, while Abraham Lincoln, who represented the new republican party, won the north, Breckenridge the South, and Bell the border states. This was enough for him to win the popular vote, as well as 180 electoral votes. After he was elected, South Carolina issued its "Declaration of the Causes of Secession", They believed that Lincoln was anti-slavery and in favor of Northern interests. Between Election Day and Lincoln's inauguration in March, seven states seceded from the Union: South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas and during this process, the south took control of federal installations, including forts is the region which would give them a major foundation for war.

-A.M

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some people chose a more violent approach. John brown and family were on the anti slavery side and killed 5 settlers who were pro slavery.

KN

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there was a lot of arguments between the free states and slave states about how slaves should be free or treated. eventually there were so many states that the line between free and slave states became thin and unnoticeable. T. K.

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it was thought by the people that Lincoln was anti slave and favored the northern states.
-kj

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The enslavement of people played a significant role in the 13 British American colonies economies and societies. Something that must've lead to conflict was after the U.S Constitution was ratified, black people still couldn't own property or vote. Because of this, there was a movement to abolish slavery that led to many Northern states to enact abolitionist laws and abandon enslavement.

- Isabelle Kraninger

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The North and the South were able to come to an agreement on some conflicts. But one problem they could not solve was slavery.

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Problems came with a violent clash at Lawrence, Kansas. The fight erupted on the floor of the Senate when anti-slavery proponent Sen. Charles Sumner of Massachusetts was beaten on the head by South Carolina Sen. Preston Brooks. which makes a big impact
- V.R

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the north wanted freedom of slaves while the south wanted to keep slaves to keep them working in there plantations
B.R.V

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the abolition movement was to end slavery. the idea started in 1816 but really got going in 1830-1870. - Emma Cortez

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There were differences in opinions between the north and the south and since the US was obtaining land they had to decide whether the new territories would be a free state or a slave state which would tip the scale when it came to favors/decisions. This caused tension between the north and south.

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a factor that lead to conflict and brought more light into slavery was william lloyd garrison and frederick douglass. they both strongly battled for the slaves to be freed.

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the abolition movement was made to end slavery, but it caused fights across states between who was a free state and who was a slave state and it lasted longer then it should have
- shelby willett

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the states and federal rights is known all over of the place, it also refer to political rights. and power granted to the states of the united states by the U.S constitution. the federal government is not allowed to interfere with the powers of the states reserved or implied to them by the 10th amendment to the U.S constitution.

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the 10th amendment states; " the powers not delegated to the united states by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively or to the people"

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the 10th amendment states; " the powers not delegated to the united states by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively or to the people"

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and not everybody liked to be bossed around with the power that the states had and the federal rights.

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and not everybody liked to be bossed around with the power that the states had and the federal rights.

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D.R

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Some people argued for greater rights for the states and others argued that the federal government needed to have more control. Many felt that the new Constitution ignored the rights of states to continue to act independently. They felt that the states should still have the right to decide if they were willing to accept certain federal acts.

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The northern and southern regions were completely different . The south was mostly rural and ran by farming and the production of cotton. The northern states were more advanced with factories and many industries.
K.S

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all the conflict between all, every ones opinions were different whether or not either territory should have been claimed as anti slavery or free slavery. both had some agreements although their main argument between one another was which area would be claimed as either agaisnt or with it.
L.L

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Slavery was an issue that divided the country. It was one of the primary causes of the American Civil War. The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery in every state and territory of the United States. After that time the terms became more or less obsolete because all states were free of slavery.

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Slavery was an issue that divided the country. It was one of the primary causes of the American Civil War. The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery in every state and territory of the United States. After that time the terms became more or less obsolete because all states were free of slavery.

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MB

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the 13 states made a very bad, loose contract they needed tomake a new one, that would help to add rules and changes to.

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Many conflicts occured between the Northern states and Southern  states because the South wanted to keep slaves for their plantations and believed they deserved higher status because of their skin color, while the North wanted to get rid of slavery and people were known as equals. This wasn't a good relationship between the two territories since the slaves would try to escape from the south and get help from northeners.
B.M.O

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North states were free states but the south were the slave states. Because of their differences there were many conflict between them.
DML