Civil War Social Factors

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The Civil War began with the succession of the Southern states from the union. Though the issue of slavery heavily contributed to the division between the North and South, other factors, such as political and social differences, deepened the tension between the two. The antebellum era had a great influence on the 18th and 19th century America; however, it’s effects manifested into the 21st Century society. Although the Civil War was influenced by political issues, including the devaluation of African Americans and Mexicans through the three-fifths compromise, Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and societal differences, such as the insurrection of Nat Turner and the publication of The Liberator, the emotional and …show more content…
William Lloyd Garrison’s, The Liberator, exemplifies the Northern stance on the issue of slavery; however, advocates against this problem were “harassed, assaulted, and driven into exile. Southern mobs destroyed the presses of antislavery papers and threatened the editors into either keeping silent or leave the state” (Sanceri, Lecture 10). The aggression imposed onto abolitionist contributed to Southern secession as their hostility failed to demoralize those against slavery. Despite their continuous persistence, the harassment was no match for the abolitionist. Similarly, this country currently faces hostility that deepens the divide between two opposing sides; however, these acts do not discourage those who were harassed, but instead discourages those who endeavour to suppress their counterparts. In addition, Nat Turner’s Rebellion induced a hysteria of proslavery feelings as “Turner became convinced that God intended to punish white people” (Sanceri, Lecture 10) and set out to “murder Turner’s master and family”. This sparked controversy as many believed that there should be a more strict set of rules for slaves. Those against slavery denied the barbaric allegations and believed that “the legislature to adopt a program for gradual emancipation” (Sanceri, Lecture 10). With many against the proposal, Southerns shifted towards secession as they believed that emancipation would only encourage more insurrections. Hence, the social differences sparked a greater division between both the North and South, and led to the Civil War as the South felt powerless against their anti-slavery