The Causes of the Civil War
Here is an introduction to the three main causes of the American Civil War
The difference in climate between the northern and southern parts of the United States
The difference in climate between the northern part and southern part of the United States was great enough that the North and South developed two distinct economies. The climate in the South was warmer than in the North, and the soil in the South was more fertile than that in the North. Thus, due to the south's climate, it was easier to grow crops in the South than in the North. Therefore, the economy of the South was based on agriculture. Due to the North's climate, which consisted of cold winters and poor soil, the economy of the North could not rely on agriculture like the South did. Instead, the North industrialized.
For more information on the difference in climate between the Northern and Southern parts of the United States, click on "The Main Cause of the Civil War" on the menu above.
Slavery
Due to the fact that the economy of the southern part of the United States was based on agriculture which demands lots of human labor, the economy of the South relied heavily on slavery. However, the economy of the North had little to no use for slaves. Instead, many northerners thought that slavery was immoral and wished to end it. As expected, the South greatly disregarded this notion, for it would put their work and lives in jeopardy. Therefore, the issue of slavery divided the southern and northern parts of the United States. On the left is a map of the United States in 1860, which illustrates how the Northern states were free of slavery while the Southern states practiced slavery. From this map, one can see visually how the nation was becoming split apart; North versus South, over the issue of slavery, which originated from the difference in climate between the North and the South.
For more information on slavery and its relation to the Civil War, click on "Slavery" on the menu above.
For more information on slavery and its relation to the Civil War, click on "Slavery" on the menu above.
Sectionalism versus Nationalism
By the 1800s, the southern part and northern part of the United States held great differences economically, socially, and politically. Between 1800 and 1860, these differences increased steadily, leaving the north and south with different values and needs. Since the United States was not unified, the southern and northern parts of the United States felt as if they were two separate countries. As seen in the map on the right, economically, socially and politically, the United States seemed as if it were three distinct parts: the North, the South, and the West, instead of one unified nation.
For more information on Sectionalism versus Nationalism and its relation to the Civil War, click on "Sectionalism versus Nationalism" on the menu above.
For more information on Sectionalism versus Nationalism and its relation to the Civil War, click on "Sectionalism versus Nationalism" on the menu above.