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

The issue of slavery was a significant factor that led to the Civil War, as it was deeply intertwined with the economic, social, and political fabric of the United States in the mid-19th century. The Southern states relied heavily on an agricultural economy, which depended on slave labor to cultivate cash crops such as cotton and tobacco. In contrast, the Northern states were increasingly moving toward an industrial economy that did not depend on slavery.

Tensions escalated in the years leading up to the Civil War as new states entered the Union and debates arose over whether they would be admitted as free or slave states. Key events, such as the Missouri Compromise, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the Dred Scott decision, highlighted the national divisions over slavery and fostered resentment and conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.

These conflicts were not simply about the moral implications of slavery but also involved issues of state rights and economic interests. As abolitionist movements gained momentum in the North and pro-slavery advocates defended their way of life in the South, discussions about what the nation represented in relation to human rights and freedom became increasingly contentious. By the time of the Civil War, the institution of slavery and the fight over its expansion or limitation had become