Which issue was a significant factor that contributed to the Civil War?

The issue of slavery was a significant factor that contributed to the Civil War because it represented a fundamental conflict between the Northern and Southern states in the United States. The Southern economy relied heavily on agriculture and slave labor, which they believed was essential for their economic prosperity and social structure. In contrast, the Northern states were increasingly industrialized and leaned toward a more diversified economy that did not depend on slavery.

The moral and ethical debates surrounding slavery intensified during the years leading up to the Civil War, with abolitionist movements gaining momentum in the North. Key events such as the publication of Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin," the Dred Scott decision, and the violent confrontations in "Bleeding Kansas" showcased the deep divisions over this issue.

The differing views on slavery ultimately affected political alignments, leading to the formation of parties and movements that either supported or opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories. When Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 1860, he was seen as a threat to the institution of slavery, prompting several Southern states to secede from the Union and leading to the outbreak of the Civil War. This deep-seated conflict over slavery encapsulated the struggles over human rights, economic interests, and state versus