What led to the american civil war?
To, hopefully clarify some simplifications. The war was in fact over slavery and its extension into the new territories. The issue that some revisionists bring up about “states rights” is disingenuous: The “rights” were an individual’s right to dispose of property; in this case slaves. In other words, the state’s rights were since slaves are my property and the “North” (a very generic term) wants to take them away, that violates my right to property. Tariffs were another issue. Both of these are the root of the term “Northern Tyranny” which is specified in Virginia’s secession proclamation. Religious issues also divided the country: with Southern religious leaders saying that the Bible mandated slavery, and equally northern clergy saying the opposite. Also, one need only read Jefferson Davis’ and especially Alexander Stephens’ writings upon their acceptance of the CSA Presidency/VP to see that they DID consider the war to be over slavery and its extension.
