Issues that divided the nation
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The North and South had several important differences that divided the nation in the years leading up to the Civil War. The South relied heavily on slave labor for its large agricultural operations while the North used free labor in factories and businesses. Culturally, the North was more urban while the South was rural. Economically, the North favored tariffs to protect industries while the South opposed tariffs that would raise prices. Regarding constitutional issues, the North wanted a strong central government while the South believed in states' rights to make their own laws.
Issues that divided the nation
- 1. Issues that Divided the Nation USI.9a
- 2. I. Introduction Even though they were part of the same country, the North and the South were very different. Certain cultural, economic, and constitutional differences were dividing the nation.
- 3. II. Slavery a) In the South, thousands of workers were required for the many large farms and plantations, so the farmers depended on slave labor instead of trying to hire people to work in their fields. b) Most people in the North, however, worked in factories or owned their own businesses. They had no need of slavery.
- 4. III. Cultural Differences a) The North was mainly an urban society in which people held jobs in cities. b) The South was primarily an agricultural society in which people lived in small villages and on farms and plantations. c) People of the North and South found it difficult to agree on social and political issues.
- 5. IV. Economic Issues a) Northerners favored tariffs (taxes) on manufactured goods that protected factory owners from foreign competition. b) Southerners opposed tariffs that would cause prices of manufactured goods to increase. c) Southerners were afraid Great Britain would stop buying their cotton if taxes were added.
- 6. V. Constitutional Differences a) Constitutional issue of states’ rights versus a strong central government b) Northern states wanted a strong central government that had the power to make laws for all of the states. c) Southern states, however, believed that states should have the power to make their own laws and meet the unique needs of their citizens.
- 7. V. Constitutional Differences a) Constitutional issue of states’ rights versus a strong central government b) Northern states wanted a strong central government that had the power to make laws for all of the states. c) Southern states, however, believed that states should have the power to make their own laws and meet the unique needs of their citizens.