Examining the Civil War

By 1830, "cotton was king" not only in the South, but in the United States (Dodson, 2003). Cotton had become an important product of the south, which slaves had cultivated (usinfo, 2005). Slaves had become considerably valuable. The Ordinance established a pattern of slavery in the southern states, and making slavery illegal in the northern states (PBS, 2004). As time went on, the United States divided into detached nations. The South remained the wealthiest part of the nation.

When the civil war is mentioned, many people automatically associate it with the fight to keep slavery. Although this was a part of the cause for the civil war, it however, was not the only thing that led to it. The war was also driven by economic, political, and social issues. What were the real reasons the civil war broke out in the Americas? Why could a democratic nation not prevent the civil war? What were the impacts on the American way of life caused by the civil war? The below information will discuss these issues regarding the civil war.

Sam Houston was named commander of the new Texian ...

Thomas Hart Benton — Democratic Senator from Mis...

United States

Antebellum Period"I know no North, no South, no East, no West, to which I owe any allegiance. My allegiance is to this American Union and to my own state. But if gentlemen suppose that they can exact from me an acknowledgement of allegiance to any ideal or future contemplated confederacy of the South, I here declare that I owe no allegiance to it, nor will I, for one, come under any such allegiance, if I can avoid it," (Clay, 1863, pg. 207). These words were spoken by Senator Henry Clay, whom represented Kentucky. Mr. Clay was a partisan man. However, given the nickname, "The Great Pacifier," Mr. Clay was famous for his faith in bonding the Union together. He demanded what was...