What caused the Civil War?
My thoughts...
Some say the North was the reason and others say the South. But what really caused the Civil War? I think it was a country that couldn't get along. Each wanted their own way, and wouldn't sacrifice for the other. I think they could have settled their differences if everyone would have just listened to their heart about what was right.
Regional Disagreements
There were several disagreements between the regions. Because of their differences, it was difficult for Americans to agree on ANYTHING! Each representative often made decision based on helping their own section, or regions, rather than the country as a whole. Tariffs, Slavery, the Missouri Compromise, and The Dred Scott Decision were all reasons to fuel the fire that had been burning between the regions.
Slavery and Freedom
Because of the worldwide demand for cotton, the South also had a demand for more enslaved workers. Some people used slaves because they would not be able to meet the demand of their buyers. Others could not afford slaves because the cost of feeding, clothing and housing them were too great. The government passed a law called the Fugitive Slave Act which said that any person caught helping a slave escape for freedom would be punished and the slaves were to be returned. The Underground Railroad became the biggest system of secret escape routes leading slaves to freedom. Abolitionists opposed slavery and would speak at events to encourage people to end slavery. Through it all, some people believed that only the use of force could end slavery... they were right.
The Union Breaks Apart
Abraham Lincoln became a new national leader. He started to speak out about slavery even though he was not an Abolitionist. He was voted as President of the United States, but soon after the Southern states started seceding from the Union. These states became known as the Confederate States of America. The Crisis at Fort Sumter increased the tension between the Union and the Confederate. Supplies were low and the Confederate had tried overtaking all the forts, post offices and other government property. Confederate troops fired their canons on the fort until the Union surrendered.. the Civil War had began!
Advantages in the Civil War
The northern states had the advantages of an advanced industry, advanced railroad system, and a strong navy. The southern advantages were large number of military leader, troops were experienced in outdoor living and they were also familiar with the environment of the South.