What were the key causes of the American Civil War?

The American Civil War was primarily caused by disputes over slavery, states' rights, and economic differences between the North and South.

The issue of slavery was the most significant cause of the American Civil War. The Southern states, also known as the Confederacy, were heavily dependent on slavery for their agricultural economy. They feared that the Northern states, known as the Union, were seeking to abolish slavery, which would have a devastating impact on their economy. The North, on the other hand, was becoming increasingly industrialised and saw slavery as morally wrong. This fundamental disagreement over slavery led to a deep divide between the North and South, ultimately leading to war.

Another key cause of the Civil War was the debate over states' rights. The Southern states believed in a more decentralised form of government, where individual states had the power to make their own decisions on issues such as slavery. The Northern states, however, favoured a strong central government that could make decisions for the entire country. This disagreement over the balance of power between the federal government and individual states further deepened the divide between the North and South.

Economic differences between the North and South also played a significant role in causing the Civil War. The North's economy was based on industry and manufacturing, while the South's economy was based on agriculture, particularly cotton. The North wanted to impose tariffs to protect its industries, but these tariffs would have been detrimental to the South's trade-dependent economy. This economic conflict added another layer of tension between the North and South.

In conclusion, the American Civil War was caused by a combination of factors, including disputes over slavery, states' rights, and economic differences between the North and South. These issues created a deep divide between the North and South, ultimately leading to war.