What was the major cause of the Civil War according to historians?

The answer points to the issue of slavery and states' rights as the primary cause of the Civil War, a perspective supported by a significant body of historical scholarship. The institution of slavery was deeply intertwined with the economic, social, and political fabric of the South, which relied on slave labor for its agricultural economy. In contrast, the Northern states had largely moved away from slavery, embracing industrialization and a different economic model.

The debates over states' rights also played a crucial role, as Southern leaders argued that individual states should have the authority to govern themselves, particularly concerning the legality and continuation of slavery. The ideological divide over the ability of states to nullify federal laws they opposed was a key factor leading to the secession of Southern states after the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, whom they viewed as a threat to the institution of slavery.

While economic disparities, territorial expansion, and disputes over trade regulations were significant issues of the era, they often intersected with the underlying conflict about slavery. Therefore, historians generally identify the issue of slavery, combined with the assertion of states' rights, as the central catalyst for the outbreak of the Civil War. This understanding reflects the complexities of the conflict and highlights slavery as a moral, social, and