Slavery: The issue of slavery was the primary cause of division between the North and South. The North, which had a more industrialized economy, opposed slavery and sought its abolition, while the agrarian South heavily relied on slave labor for its plantation-based economy and defended the institution.

States’ Rights: The South believed in the concept of states’ rights, arguing that individual states should have the power to make decisions for themselves, including the right to secede from the Union. The North, on the other hand, believed in a stronger central government and that the Union should be preserved.

Economic Differences: The North and South had different economic systems. The North was more industrialized, with a focus on manufacturing and trade, while the South relied heavily on agriculture, particularly cotton production. These economic differences led to conflicts over tariffs, taxation, and economic policies.

Political Representation: The issue of political representation also contributed to the division. The South felt that their interests were not adequately represented in the federal government, as the North had a larger population and thus more representatives in Congress. This led to tensions and disputes over issues such as the expansion of slavery into new territories.