1. Economic disparities: Slavery was intricately tied to the economic systems of the time, with Southern states heavily reliant on slave labor for their agriculture-based economies. This created tensions between the North, which was increasingly industrialized and did not rely on slave labor.
2. Political power: The debate over the expansion of slavery into new territories further divided the North and South, as both sides sought to gain political power and influence in Congress.
3. Moral and ethical considerations: The abolitionist movement gained momentum in the North, leading to increased debates over the morality of slavery and the treatment of enslaved individuals.
4. Social tensions: The growing awareness of the brutal conditions of slavery and the mistreatment of enslaved individuals led to increased social unrest and calls for change.
5. Legal disputes: The passage of the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850 further fueled tensions between the North and South, as it required free states to assist in the capture and return of escaped slaves. This sparked resistance and opposition in the North.
The growing tensions around slavery are exacerbated by issues including the following
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