The American Civil War: A House Divided
The Road to War
The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, was a profound conflict rooted in the deep-seated issues of slavery and states' rights. As President Abraham Lincoln famously stated, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." The United States could no longer remain half-slave and half-free, and the tension between the northern and southern states escalated into a full-blown war.
Causes of the War
The primary cause of the Civil War was the institution of slavery. The southern states relied heavily on slave labor for their agricultural economy, while the northern states were increasingly opposed to the practice. The issue of states' rights also played a significant role in the conflict. Southern states argued for the right to determine their own laws and policies, including maintaining slavery, while the northern states asserted the authority of the federal government.
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