Some historian believe, that even since colonial times, America was working its way to a civil war. Many issues arose since that time which would help divide the nation on subjects, eventually leading up to the events of 1861. Some of these issues include economic development, sectionalism, slavery and racial issues, and ways of viewing the world. These issues would help separate the north and south in the U.S. leading up to what was known as the American Civil War.
The issue of economic development was a major factor in the separation between the north and south. Different types of economies, and ways of making money was a key issue between the Northern and Southern states. The industrial based economy of the north, they were able to produce finished goods, and exported heavily. The north produced leather, ships, textiles and metal goods which they would then export. The north also produced large amounts of oats corn wheat , and barley, with which they could produce food. While the South also produced agriculture, they mainly focused on cash crops such as tobacco, cotton, rice, sugar and indigo. As the South was not industrialized, it had to import finished goods, because they were not able to manufacture goods, and were therefore reliable upon either northern or importing European goods. The Southern economy was also tied to slaves, as any other type of labor wouldn't be profitable to the farmers. These major differences in economies would further lead to separation between the North and South.
Another main issue which would create a rift between the north and south would be sectionalism , which began to arise in the 1830's. Sectionalism would arise during this time due to differences in agreement over such topics as protective tariffs, the construction of roads ad canals, states rights and slavery. While protective tariffs would help the industrialized north, it would be detrimental to the South because of its need of importation for finished goods.
