USI.9a Causes of the Civil War

Imagine you're in a debate club with Ava, Abigail, and Maya. Which statement would they argue best describes the South's beliefs about slavery during the 19th century?

• Slavery should not expand to any new Western territory.

• The Southern economy would be destroyed if slavery ended.

• Slavery was morally wrong and violated the principles of democracy.

• Slavery is a necessary evil for economic growth.

What is the main issue that divided the nation?

• Slavery

• States' Rights

• Trade Agreements

• Tariffs

Who gained the most from the widespread use of slavery in the 1800s South: factory workers, subsistence farmers, indentured servants, or wealthy plantation owners?

• Factory workers

• Subsistence farmers

• Indentured servants

• Wealthy plantation owners

Imagine you're in a lively debate club with Ethan, Isla, and Sophia, discussing the hot topics that stirred the nation before the Civil War. Which of the following was NOT a major issue that divided the country?

• Culture

• Economics

• Religion

• Constitution

Imagine you're in a lively debate club with Lily, Elijah, and Abigail. Which statement would they most likely argue best describes the North's beliefs about slavery?

• Slavery was morally wrong and violated the principles of democracy.

• Slavery was a necessary evil for economic growth.

• Slavery was beneficial for both the North and the South.

• Slavery should be left to the states to decide.

Which statement would they argue best describes the North's beliefs about the power of government according to the Constitution?

• The National Government is supreme over State governments.

• State governments should have more power than the National Government (States' Rights).

• The National and State Governments should have equal power.

• The National Government should only intervene in foreign affairs.

What is the belief called that Southerners once believed they had the power to declare any national law illegal?

• states' rights

• federal supremacy

• popular sovereignty

• judicial review

How would a southern congressman respond to Abigail's statement: "The United States is a Union and cannot be divided!"?

• States freely created and joined the Union, and they can freely leave!

• The Union is permanent and cannot be dissolved by any state.

• The Constitution forbids any state from leaving the Union.

• The Union is a sacred bond that must be maintained at all costs.

Emma and Mason are exploring a mysterious graphic about history! What do you think is the best main idea they discovered?

• Cultural, economic, and Constitutional issues caused divisions between North and South.

• The impact of technological advancements on society.

• The role of women in the Civil War.

• The significance of the Louisiana Purchase in American history.

What was the main reason for the disagreements between the North and South on political and social issues?

• economic disparities

• cultural differences

• geographical barriers

• political alliances