How Did Slavery Contribute To The Outbreak Of The Civil War

The Civil War, also known as the War between the States, was a significant event in American history that lasted from 1861 to 1865. It was a conflict between the Northern and Southern states over issues such as states' rights, economic policies, and most notably, slavery. While many factors contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War, slavery was the main cause of this bloody and devastating conflict. Slavery has been a part of American society since the early colonial period. The Southern states, also known as the Confederacy, relied heavily on slave labor for their economy, particularly in the production of cotton. On the other hand, the Northern states, known as the Union, did not depend on slave labor and instead relied on industry and manufacturing. This
The issue of slavery became increasingly contentious in the years leading up to the Civil War. The Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the Compromise of 1850 attempted to settle the issue of slavery in new territories, but they only temporarily eased tensions. The 1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed the people in these territories to decide whether or not to allow slavery, further fueled the debate. The Dred Scott v. Sandford Supreme Court case of 1857 also added to the growing divide, as it declared that slaves were not citizens and therefore could not sue for their freedom. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was the final straw that led to the outbreak of the Civil War. The Southern states, fearing that Lincoln would abolish slavery, seceded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America. The Confederacy's Vice President, Alexander H. Stephens, stated in his 'Cornerstone Speech' that the cornerstone of the new government was the 'great truth' that slavery was the 'natural and normal condition' of African Americans. The Civil War was not just about the issue of slavery, but it was undoubtedly the primary