Unraveling the Causes of the American Civil War

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Causes of the Civil War The American Civil War was a controversial occurrence over slavery lasting four years. Many things led up to this bloody and savage war. The Civil War consisted of 10,500 battles, engagements, and other military actions, and nearly 1,300,000 American casualties (Civil War Facts). Four of the main causes of the Civil War were slavery, abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad, secession and Fort Sumter, and John Brown’s Harpers Ferry rebellion.

In North America slavery lasted 245 years, from 1620 to 1865 (Slavery and Making of America PBS). Slavery was more seen and used in the Southern states than in the North. Slavery negatively impacted African Americans because they were harshly mistreated and beat by their masters. Slavery in the South got them more representation in Congress. Enslavement led to disputes between states as well as major people such as abolitionists like John Brown and slave owners like Joshua
If one state leaves then it could lead to other states doing the same. Secession in the United States began on December 20, 1860 (History.com Staff). Fort Sumter is located in Charleston, South Carolina and is the site of the first shots fired of the Civil War. This battle negatively impacted the United States Army because Fort Sumter was captured by the Confederate State Army (Causes of the Civil War).

In conclusion, these four events were the main causes that led to the American Civil War. All of these events had to do with slavery which is the overall reason why the war occurred. The main causes of the Civil War negatively and/or positively impacted a group of people. The Civil War is also known as “The War Between the States.” The issues between slavery and central powers were what divided the United States (10 Facts: What Everyone Should Know About the Civil

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