Causes of the Civil War

The Civil War grew from deep differences between the North and South. The key issue was

slavery, but also how each region lived and what they valued. The South was rural,

depended on plantations, and relied heavily on enslaved labor. The North was more industrial and had

a wider range of views on slavery. Some Northerners were abolitionists who wanted slavery

ended immediately. Others cared mainly about keeping the Union together, and many opposed

slavery’s expansion but didn’t support full equality. The South argued slavery was essential

for their economy and way of life, using economic, religious, and racist justifications.

The North argued slavery was morally wrong and violated American ideals. Several compromises