How did slavery cause the civil war essay?

How Did Slavery Cause the Civil War?

The American Civil War was a pivotal event in American history, fought between the Union (the northern states) and the Confederacy (the southern states) from 1861 to 1865. The war was sparked by the secession of 11 southern states from the United States, which was driven by their desire to preserve and expand the institution of slavery. In this essay, we will explore how slavery caused the Civil War, examining the key events, issues, and ideologies that led to the conflict.

The Roots of Slavery

Slavery had been a part of American society since the colonial era, with the first enslaved Africans arriving in Virginia in 1619. Over time, slavery became an integral part of the Southern economy, with millions of enslaved people being forcibly brought to the region to work on plantations and farms. The institution of slavery was justified by the idea of white supremacy, which held that white people were inherently superior to people of color and that slavery was a necessary evil to maintain social order.

The Rise of the Abolitionist Movement

In the early 19th century, a growing movement of abolitionists emerged, who argued that slavery was morally wrong and that it was the duty of the government to eradicate it. Abolitionists, such as William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass, used various means to challenge the institution of slavery, including writing, speaking, and organizing. The abolitionist movement gained momentum in the 1850s, with the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe that portrayed the brutal treatment of enslaved people.

The Compromise of 1850

In 1850, Congress passed the Compromise of 1850, which attempted to address the issue of slavery by admitting California as a free state and strengthening the Fugitive Slave Act. The compromise was brokered by Henry Clay, who argued that the issue of slavery could be resolved through compromise and conciliation. However, the compromise only temporarily delayed the conflict, as it did not address the fundamental issue of slavery.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act

In 1854, Congress passed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed new states to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. This led to a wave of pro-slavery and anti-slavery violence in Kansas, known as Bleeding Kansas. The act was seen as a major blow to the abolitionist movement, as it seemed to give states the power to decide their own fate regarding slavery.

The Dred Scott Decision

In 1857, the Supreme Court ruled in the Dred Scott case that enslaved people were not citizens and had no right to sue in court. The decision also declared that the Missouri Compromise, which had prohibited slavery in new states north of the 36°30′ parallel, was unconstitutional. The decision was seen as a major setback for the abolitionist movement, as it seemed to legitimize the institution of slavery.

The Election of 1860

In 1860, the Republican Party, which was opposed to the expansion of slavery, won the presidential election with Abraham Lincoln at its head. The election was seen as a major threat to the institution of slavery, as Lincoln was opposed to the expansion of slavery and had spoken out against it. In response, South Carolina seceded from the Union in December 1860, followed by Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas.

The Causes of the Civil War

So, how did slavery cause the Civil War? Here are some key points to consider:

• The issue of slavery: The institution of slavery was the primary cause of the Civil War. The debate over slavery had been growing in intensity for decades, and the election of Abraham Lincoln as president was seen as a major threat to the institution.
• Economic interests: The South’s economy was heavily reliant on slavery, and many Southerners saw the abolition of slavery as a threat to their way of life. The North, on the other hand, was more industrialized and saw slavery as a morally reprehensible institution.
• States’ rights: The issue of states’ rights was also a major factor in the lead-up to the Civil War. Southerners argued that the federal government had no right to interfere with the institution of slavery, while Northerners argued that the federal government had a duty to protect the rights of all citizens, including those who were enslaved.
• Political ideologies: The Civil War was also fought over political ideologies, with the North and South having fundamentally different views on the role of government and the rights of citizens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Civil War was caused by a complex set of factors, including the issue of slavery, economic interests, states’ rights, and political ideologies. The institution of slavery was the primary cause of the war, as it was the central issue that divided the North and South. The war was fought between the Union (the northern states) and the Confederacy (the southern states) from 1861 to 1865, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 620,000 to 750,000 soldiers and civilians. The war ultimately led to the abolition of slavery and the reunification of the United States.

Table: The Causes of the Civil War

Bibliography

• Foner, Eric. The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and Slavery. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2010.
• McPherson, James M. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988.
• Stowe, Harriet Beecher. Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Boston: Published for the Author, 1852.
• Wyatt-Brown, Bertram. The Shaping of the Old South. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1979.