Main Causes of the Civil War
Slavery
The South’s main source of revenue was agriculture, particularly cotton. Cotton was revolutionized by the
cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney. The cotton gin made cotton production quicker, more efficient, and
cheaper. Demand for cotton skyrocketed. The large fields had to be tended by somebody. Slaves were the best option because they offered cheap labor. The North, however, had a steady supply of immigrants, making forced labor
unnecessary. The North grew to oppose slavery which led to the Abolition movement.
Abraham Lincoln’s Presidency
Some southern states were opposed to Lincoln becoming president. Lincoln was opposed to the spread of slavery and the South felt this would lead to their economy collapse. When the election took place, many southern states threatened to leave the Union if Lincoln became president. When Lincoln did win presidency, those states did leave the union. This caused the Civil War, a war fought to preserve the Union.
Dred Scott Decision and The Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise of 1820 established a rule that would allow one free state and one slave state to enter the Union. States that were South of the 36 30’ parallel were deemed slave states and states North of the 36 30’ were deemed free states. This Compromise worked for 30 years until Dred Scott, a former state, applied for citizenship. The US Supreme Court denied Scott his citizenship because he was of African blood. This decision repealed the Missouri Compromise. The Missouri Compromise restricted slavery in Northern states of the 36 30’. This was unconstitutional based on the Dred Scott Decision.