Running head: Survey United States History I

FACTORS LEADING TO AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

American civil war was fought between the United States and America during the

time of 1861-1865 for independence. Before the war started there was a lot of

tension between north and south America over several issues such as slavery, bill of

human rights, purchase of Louisiana, and Mexican-American war. These all were the

factors and tension between north and south leading to the American civil war. "Life,

Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" (Center, 2010) was the motto of Thomas

Jefferson. He was the first drafter of civil rights. He started to fight against slavery

and the school of thought who support slavery.

Slavery was the main difference between the north and south of America and it was

one of the main factors which lead to tension between the north and south. All other

factors such as culture, social, economic, and political related to slavery. Most of the

American reformers and socialists who took part in the American civil war were

slaves such as Frederick Douglass and Boston king. Boston kings choose freedom

over independence, and he made his way out. “When 16 years old, I was bound

apprentice to a trade. After being in the shop about two years, I had the charge of my

master’s tools, which is very good, were often used by the men, if I happened to be

out of the way: When this was the case or any of them were lost, or misplaced, my

master beat me severely, striking me upon my head, or any other part without

mercy” (king, 1972). He was into slavery from the start of his life and become a

social reform after the civil war.

The economy of South America was very stable, but it was at the cost of slavery.

South was rich in agriculture and many small industries in which slaves were working

for whites. Almost everyone here owns a slave and one who does not have slaves

1|Page
Running head: Survey United States History I

want to have one. David walker appeals about this thing in 1829 (WALKER, 1830), in

his appeal he highlights the discrimination of color. He explained that white people

want black colored people to be their slaves for life and this is also against the bill of

human rights that was presented in parliament.

The economy of the north, on the other hand, was based on industries and we can

say that it was the more developed state. The culture of the north was different from

the south and there were all white stereotypes in the north. The (Cente, 2008)

immigration of black people from the south to the north after the civil war and during

the war was not acceptable by the south, and this cause problems for African

Americans as discussed in the primary source. Frederick Douglass was also a

reformer who oppose slavery in the south and all states, he was a slave himself he

mentioned his life as a slave and struggles in poems as well (DOUGLASS, 1845).

Slavery was once again a flourishing institution by 1800 or later, notably in the

Southern United States. The introduction and widespread use of the cotton gin was

one of the key reasons for the resurgence of slavery. This machine enabled

Southern planters to cultivate a kind of cotton known as short-staple cotton, which

was well suited to the Deep South's environment. The work required to separate the

seeds from the cotton fibers has historically been the bottleneck in cultivating this

crop. However, Eli Whitney's gin made it simpler and less expensive. Cotton

production became considerably more lucrative because of this, and planters and

farmers in the South were extremely interested. Cotton farming was still a labor-

intensive business, and cotton farmers need a huge workforce to keep the fields

tended. This work was provided by enslaved African Americans.

2|Page
Running head: Survey United States History I

While some enslaved people worked on enormous cotton plantations, others worked

in other forms of agriculture, such as tobacco, hemp (for ropemaking), maize, and

animals. Many worked in a variety of specialized occupations as well as ordinary

workers in Southern cities. It was uncommon for city workers to save enough money

to purchase their freedom. Those cities in the South, as well as many in the North,

had considerable populations of free blacks.

A field hand's workday normally started before sunrise and finished long after

nightfall, with a two-hour lunch break in between. Many free farmers in the South

(and North) worked very long days, but the distinction was that they worked for

themselves and oversaw their schedules. Enslaved employees lacked such power,

and they were constantly watched and threatened with physical punishment by their

masters.

Enslaved individuals were not merely helpless victims of their masters and the

system, despite the severe circumstances and lack of freedom. Their quarters were

one of the few areas where they could be relatively unsupervised by overseers; the

community may extend well beyond the family and, in many instances, beyond the

single plantation or farm. They established a thriving social and cultural life that was

beyond the grasp of slave masters. They tried to make the most of their situation,

even though no sensible person would want to be enslaved.

Second, throughout this time, American culture became much more urbanized. The

United States had been nearly solely populated by farmers until roughly 1820 when

millions of people started to migrate to the cities. They swarmed northern cities,

along with many million Irish and German immigrants, looking for work in the

emerging industrial economy. Because it gave rise to America's first middle class,

3|Page
Running head: Survey United States History I

the introduction of the wage-labor system had a significant role in changing the

social fabric. This increasing middle class, which was mostly made up of white-collar

employees and skilled laborers, became the driving force behind several reform

campaigns. Movements to limit alcohol consumption, eradicate prostitution, reform

jails, and mad asylums, enhance education, and abolish slavery were among them.

The Second Great Awakening's religious revivalism had a significant influence on

American life in all sections of the nation.

Third, throughout the antebellum era, states' rights were a key political issue. "States'

righters"—those who felt that individual states should have the last word in

interpreting the Constitution—dominated southern states. In his article "South

Carolina Exposition and Protest," John C. Calhoun, inspired by the old Democratic-

Republicans, contended that since the states established the Constitution, they had

the authority to nullify legislation they considered unconstitutional. Others, like

President Andrew Jackson and Chief Justice John Marshall, thought the federal

government had jurisdiction over the states. The Nullification Crisis of 1832–1833,

which almost sparked a civil war, brought the dispute ahead.

The argument over slavery, which was intimately linked to the states' rights question,

was the fourth and most controversial topic the country had ever confronted.

Between 1820 and 1860, more northerners became aware of the horrors and

inequities of slavery, while southerners were more dependent on it to maintain their

cotton-based economy. Northerners didn't necessarily desire social and political

equality for black people; all they wanted was their freedom. Slavery's westward

4|Page
Running head: Survey United States History I

expansion, which southern elites considered as critical to the survival of their

aristocratic social and economic system, was the focus of political discussion. Others

were adamantly opposed to slavery's extension outside of the South. During the

Missouri crisis, the annexation of Texas, and after the Mexican War, the argument

was crucial.

Finally, throughout the antebellum period, the subject of westward expansion had a

significant impact on American politics and culture. Many patriotic Americans felt that

God meant for them to spread democracy and Protestantism over the whole

continent in the aftermath of the War of 1812. Over a million Americans were

inspired by the concept of "manifest destiny" to sell their houses in the East and

embark on perilous Oregon, Mormon, Santa Fe, and California Trails. Policymakers

used the popular opinion to gain control of Florida and Oregon, then launched a war

on Mexico in 1846 to take control of Texas, California, and all in between.

A field hand's workday normally started before sunrise and finished long after

nightfall, with a two-hour lunch break in between. Many free farmers in the South

(and North) worked very long days, but the distinction was that they worked for

themselves and oversaw their schedules. Enslaved employees lacked such power,

and they were constantly watched and threatened with physical punishment by their

masters.

Enslaved individuals were not merely helpless victims of their masters and the

system, despite the severe circumstances and lack of freedom. Their quarters were

one of the few areas where they could be relatively unsupervised by overseers; the

community may extend well beyond the family and, in many instances, beyond the

5|Page
Running head: Survey United States History I

single plantation or farm. They established a thriving social and cultural life that was

beyond the grasp of slave masters. They tried to make the most of their situation,

even though no sensible person would want to be enslaved.

In the end, the civil war was due to the main four reasons discussed above, the

discrimination, slavery, and abolishment of basic rights lead to the tension between

the two states and this situation was unable to handle by the United States of

America and resulted in separated states having freedom and right to live. This was

the war for the basic rights of people, and everyone must have the freedom to live.

This war was good news for the people of the south they got their lives back. In any

country or state, basic rights must be given to every human being this is the basic

right and necessity of a successful country.

References
Cente, *. N. (2008). EMIGRATION & COLONIZATION. making of African American identity.

Center, N. H. (2010). On THE BILL OF RIGHTS, 1787-1789. America in class. From

https://elearn.mtsu.edu/content/enforced2013/8447140-82209.202180/Adding%20a
%20Bill%20of%20Rights.pdf

DOUGLASS, F. (1845). Life of an American Slave. Boston: Anti-Slavery Office.

king, b. (1972). “I Began to Feel the Happiness, Liberty, of which I knew nothing Before”: Boston King
Chooses Freedom and the.

WALKER, D. (1830). COLOURED CITIZENS OF THE WORLD. National Humanities Center.

FACTORS LEADING TO AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

American civil war was fought between the United States and America during the

time of 1861-1865 for independence. Before the war started there was a lot of

tension between north and south America over several issues such as slavery, bill of

6|Page
Running head: Survey United States History I

human rights, purchase of Louisiana, and Mexican-American war. These all were the

factors and tension between north and south leading to the American civil war. "Life,

Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" (Center, 2010) was the motto of Thomas

Jefferson. He was the first drafter of civil rights. He started to fight against slavery

and the school of thought who support slavery.

Slavery was the main difference between the north and south of America and it was

one of the main factors which lead to tension between the north and south. All other

factors such as culture, social, economic, and political related to slavery. Most of the

American reformers and socialists who took part in the American civil war were

slaves such as Frederick Douglass and Boston king. Boston kings choose freedom

over independence, and he made his way out. “When 16 years old, I was bound

apprentice to a trade. After being in the shop about two years, I had the charge of my

master’s tools, which is very good, were often used by the men, if I happened to be

out of the way: When this was the case or any of them were lost, or misplaced, my

master beat me severely, striking me upon my head, or any other part without

mercy” (king, 1972). He was into slavery from the start of his life and become a

social reform after the civil war.

The economy of South America was very stable, but it was at the cost of slavery.

South was rich in agriculture and many small industries in which slaves were working

for whites. Almost everyone here owns a slave and one who does not have slaves

want to have one. David walker appeals about this thing in 1829 (WALKER, 1830), in

his appeal he highlights the discrimination of color. He explained that white people

want black colored people to be their slaves for life and this is also against the bill of

human rights that was presented in parliament.

7|Page
Running head: Survey United States History I

The economy of the north, on the other hand, was based on industries and we can

say that it was the more developed state. The culture of the north was different from

the south and there were all white stereotypes in the north. The (Cente, 2008)

immigration of black people from the south to the north after the civil war and during

the war was not acceptable by the south, and this cause problems for African

Americans as discussed in the primary source. Frederick Douglass was also a

reformer who oppose slavery in the south and all states, he was a slave himself he

mentioned his life as a slave and struggles in poems as well (DOUGLASS, 1845).

Slavery was once again a flourishing institution by 1800 or later, notably in the

Southern United States. The introduction and widespread use of the cotton gin was

one of the key reasons for the resurgence of slavery. This machine enabled

Southern planters to cultivate a kind of cotton known as short-staple cotton, which

was well suited to the Deep South's environment. The work required to separate the

seeds from the cotton fibers has historically been the bottleneck in cultivating this

crop. However, Eli Whitney's gin made it simpler and less expensive. Cotton

production became considerably more lucrative because of this, and planters and

farmers in the South were extremely interested. Cotton farming was still a labor-

intensive business, and cotton farmers need a huge workforce to keep the fields

tended. This work was provided by enslaved African Americans.

While some enslaved people worked on enormous cotton plantations, others worked

in other forms of agriculture, such as tobacco, hemp (for ropemaking), maize, and

animals. Many worked in a variety of specialized occupations as well as ordinary

workers in Southern cities. It was uncommon for city workers to save enough money

8|Page
Running head: Survey United States History I

to purchase their freedom. Those cities in the South, as well as many in the North,

had considerable populations of free blacks.

A field hand's workday normally started before sunrise and finished long after

nightfall, with a two-hour lunch break in between. Many free farmers in the South

(and North) worked very long days, but the distinction was that they worked for

themselves and oversaw their schedules. Enslaved employees lacked such power,

and they were constantly watched and threatened with physical punishment by their

masters.

Enslaved individuals were not merely helpless victims of their masters and the

system, despite the severe circumstances and lack of freedom. Their quarters were

one of the few areas where they could be relatively unsupervised by overseers; the

community may extend well beyond the family and, in many instances, beyond the

single plantation or farm. They established a thriving social and cultural life that was

beyond the grasp of slave masters. They tried to make the most of their situation,

even though no sensible person would want to be enslaved.

Second, throughout this time, American culture became much more urbanized. The

United States had been nearly solely populated by farmers until roughly 1820 when

millions of people started to migrate to the cities. They swarmed northern cities,

along with many million Irish and German immigrants, looking for work in the

emerging industrial economy. Because it gave rise to America's first middle class,

the introduction of the wage-labor system had a significant role in changing the

social fabric. This increasing middle class, which was mostly made up of white-collar

employees and skilled laborers, became the driving force behind several reform

campaigns. Movements to limit alcohol consumption, eradicate prostitution, reform

9|Page
Running head: Survey United States History I

jails, and mad asylums, enhance education, and abolish slavery were among them.

The Second Great Awakening's religious revivalism had a significant influence on

American life in all sections of the nation.

Third, throughout the antebellum era, states' rights were a key political issue. "States'

righters"—those who felt that individual states should have the last word in

interpreting the Constitution—dominated southern states. In his article "South

Carolina Exposition and Protest," John C. Calhoun, inspired by the old Democratic-

Republicans, contended that since the states established the Constitution, they had

the authority to nullify legislation they considered unconstitutional. Others, like

President Andrew Jackson and Chief Justice John Marshall, thought the federal

government had jurisdiction over the states. The Nullification Crisis of 1832–1833,

which almost sparked a civil war, brought the dispute ahead.

The argument over slavery, which was intimately linked to the states' rights question,

was the fourth and most controversial topic the country had ever confronted.

Between 1820 and 1860, more northerners became aware of the horrors and

inequities of slavery, while southerners were more dependent on it to maintain their

cotton-based economy. Northerners didn't necessarily desire social and political

equality for black people; all they wanted was their freedom. Slavery's westward

expansion, which southern elites considered as critical to the survival of their

aristocratic social and economic system, was the focus of political discussion. Others

were adamantly opposed to slavery's extension outside of the South. During the

10 | P a g e
Running head: Survey United States History I

Missouri crisis, the annexation of Texas, and after the Mexican War, the argument

was crucial.

Finally, throughout the antebellum period, the subject of westward expansion had a

significant impact on American politics and culture. Many patriotic Americans felt that

God meant for them to spread democracy and Protestantism over the whole

continent in the aftermath of the War of 1812. Over a million Americans were

inspired by the concept of "manifest destiny" to sell their houses in the East and

embark on perilous Oregon, Mormon, Santa Fe, and California Trails. Policymakers

used the popular opinion to gain control of Florida and Oregon, then launched a war

on Mexico in 1846 to take control of Texas, California, and all in between.

A field hand's workday normally started before sunrise and finished long after

nightfall, with a two-hour lunch break in between. Many free farmers in the South

(and North) worked very long days, but the distinction was that they worked for

themselves and oversaw their schedules. Enslaved employees lacked such power,

and they were constantly watched and threatened with physical punishment by their

masters.

Enslaved individuals were not merely helpless victims of their masters and the

system, despite the severe circumstances and lack of freedom. Their quarters were

one of the few areas where they could be relatively unsupervised by overseers; the

community may extend well beyond the family and, in many instances, beyond the

single plantation or farm. They established a thriving social and cultural life that was

beyond the grasp of slave masters. They tried to make the most of their situation,

even though no sensible person would want to be enslaved.

11 | P a g e
Running head: Survey United States History I

In the end, the civil war was due to the main four reasons discussed above, the

discrimination, slavery, and abolishment of basic rights lead to the tension between

the two states and this situation was unable to handle by the United States of

America and resulted in separated states having freedom and right to live. This was

the war for the basic rights of people, and everyone must have the freedom to live.

This war was good news for the people of the south they got their lives back. In any

country or state, basic rights must be given to every human being this is the basic

right and necessity of a successful country.

References
Cente, *. N. (2008). EMIGRATION & COLONIZATION. making of African American identity.

Center, N. H. (2010). On THE BILL OF RIGHTS, 1787-1789. America in class. From

https://elearn.mtsu.edu/content/enforced2013/8447140-82209.202180/Adding%20a
%20Bill%20of%20Rights.pdf

DOUGLASS, F. (1845). Life of an American Slave. Boston: Anti-Slavery Office.

king, b. (1972). “I Began to Feel the Happiness, Liberty, of which I knew nothing Before”: Boston King
Chooses Freedom and the.

WALKER, D. (1830). COLOURED CITIZENS OF THE WORLD. National Humanities Center.

12 | P a g e