What was the primary conflict between the North and South during the American Civil War?

The primary conflict between the North and South during the American Civil War encompassed various intertwined issues, most notably slavery, states' rights, and economic reasons. While some may argue for a single primary factor, it is essential to understand how these elements collectively contributed to the tensions that led to the Civil War.

Slavery was a major catalyst, as the Southern states depended on an economy based on slave labor for their agricultural production, particularly in cotton. The North, increasingly industrialized and influenced by abolitionist sentiments, sought to limit the expansion of slavery into new territories, leading to significant conflict over its moral and economic implications.

States' rights also played a pivotal role, as Southern states asserted their right to govern themselves and make decisions about slavery and other issues without federal intervention. This belief was rooted in a desire to maintain their sovereignty and resist what they perceived as overreach by the federal government.

Economic reasons further complicated these relationships, as the North and South had different economic systems that sustained conflicting interests. The North's industrial economy thrived on free labor and trade, while the South's agrarian economy relied heavily on slavery. Tariffs and trade policies favored Northern interests, leading to resentment in the South.

Since these issues were deeply interconnected, claiming that the