Question

The great economic and social divisions between the North and South in the first half of the 1800s eventually led to the Civil War. During those prewar years, the North industrialized, urbanized, and became more reliant on wage labor. In contrast, the South remained a rural, agricultural society that focused on slavery to harvest cash crops like cotton and tobacco. Historians have often said that due to the huge differences between the two regions, the Civil War was inevitable. What do you think could have been done, if anything, to prevent the war? Also consider the issue of slavery, which became so central to the disagreements between the North and South. Could simple compromise or political debate between the two sides have eventually ended slavery without a war? Be sure to point to evidence from throughout this unit or that you have found on your own that supports your viewpoint.

Answer 1

It is unlikely that any compromise or political debate could have prevented the Civil War. The North was intent on maintaining the strength of the Union, which would have remained at risk if the issue of slavery was ignored. On the other hand, the South depended completely on slavery. As they were reliant on agriculture and this required slave labour, they could not have emancipated the slaves without completely destroying their economy. It is unlikely that any politician would have seen this as a good alternative.

The great divide between their industrialization levels was also a significant problem. Even if the South were to become more industrial, the change would have been a difficult one, and it is unlikely it would have been achieved without enormous economic disruption.

Answer 2

The differences between the North and South were great both socially, economically, and politically. It is difficult to see the institution of slavery being ended in the South without the threat of violence or actual violence. The institution of slavery was believed to be integral to the Southern economy that it is hard to imagine it going away through compromise at that point in history.