Introduction
There can be no ‘if’ in history; however, some events could have had different outcomes under a bit different circumstances. Nonetheless, when it comes to the Civil War, there could hardly be another option. The conflict was inevitable unless the country ceased to exist.
What Led to the War
The country was economically and ideologically divided into two parts, the North and the South. The economy of northern states relied heavily on industry and development of technology whereas southerners tended to keep their ways as they were in the eighteenth century. They relied on agriculture and slavery, of course. It goes without saying these states were against abolishing ideas, as slavery, they thought, was the basis of their well-being. Though, more and more conflicts between slaveholders and anti-slavery activists took place.
One of the most striking conflicts was caused by the activities of John Brown who murdered several slave-holders and pro-slavery activists. He also seized the federal arsenal in October 1859 and controlled it for several hours (Carnes & Garraty 366). Notably, “[e]xtremism was more evident in the South” and by 1860 “the nation was teetering on the brink of disunion” (Carnes & Garraty 367). Southerners strived to create a confederation as they did not want the new order (without slavery) to spread on southern territories.
However, northerners could not accept the succession. Lincoln believed that the Union was “perpetual” and he used to say that a “husband and wife may be divorced . but the different parts of our country cannot” (Carnes & Garraty 376). Of course, succession of southern states would mean the end of the country.
Importantly, one of the major causes of the conflict was abolition of slavery, but it cannot be regarded as the reason as the war had nationalistic backgrounds (Carnes & Garraty 377). Northerners fought for unity of their nation.
The War Could not Be Prevented
It is also possible to note that the real reason for the war was the right to develop. Northern states strived for further development of industries and technology. This was hardly possible with slavery as slavery cannot be productive when it comes to industries which had been proved in the ancient world and in Middle Ages. However, southerners did not want any development they tended to rely on agricultural sector and they focused on archaic forms of economy.
On this account, the Civil War was inevitable. The two regions were too different to come up with some solution that could suit both sides. For centuries, southern states relied on slavery and did not think of changing the order. On the contrary, industrial development led to the empowerment of northern states. Peculiarities of natural resources conditioned economies of the two regions, the south and the north. The conflict would take place in any case. Even if Lincoln had managed to achieve agreement with southerners, the war would have started several years later as the regions were too different.
Conclusion
On balance, it is possible to note that the Civil War was caused by nationalistic reasons rather than different views on slavery. Northern states strived for further development of industries and new ways to develop economy. However, southerners did not want to move on and develop new economic strategies as they tried to keep the things as they were. Basically, the Civil War was the fight for progress which was, of course, inevitable.
Works Cited
Carnes, Mark C., and John A. Garraty. American Destiny: Narrative of a Nation. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson, 2011. Print.