Causes of the Civil War
Learning Objective
I can explain the major causes of the Civil War.
Key Concepts
In the 1850s, the issue of slavery greatly upset the balance of political parties, leading to the dissolution of the Whig party and the rise of the Republican party.
The presidential election of 1860 was won by Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln, which led to South Carolina's immediate secession from the Union.
The Civil War began when South Carolinan militiamen attacked Fort Sumter in 1861, prompting President Lincoln to send Union troops to retake the South.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 3 practice questions to reinforce learning.
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1. What event directly triggered the secession of South Carolina from the Union?
2. Explain how the issue of slavery led to the dissolution of the Whig party and the rise of the Republican party in the 1850s.
3. Describe how the failure of Presidents Buchanan and Lincoln to peacefully resolve the secession crisis contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.
Educational Video
American Civil War | 3 Minute History
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