Question

Why did abolitionism and the prospect of the emancipation of enslaved people lead to conflict between northern and southern states

Answer 1

Abolitionism is one of the many factors that lead to conflict between northern and southern states. This movement focused on getting rid of the institution of slavery. By emancipating (freeing) these slaves, Southern plantation owners would suffer a significant loss in profits, as slaves were not paid for their work.

This threat to Southern society caused them to rebel against this idea and any individual who supported it. This fear of freeing slaves ultimately lead in the secession of the Southern states, as the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 posed a serious threat to their way of life.