What was the primary cause of the Civil War?

The primary cause of the Civil War was largely centered around slavery and states' rights. The Southern states wanted to maintain their agricultural economy, which heavily relied on slave labor, while the Northern states were moving towards industrialization and the abolition of slavery. This economic divide created significant tension. Additionally, the issue of states' rights came into play as Southern states felt they should have the authority to decide whether to allow slavery, which they believed was a matter of their sovereignty. The belief that states had the right to govern themselves independently of federal intervention was a crucial factor that fueled the conflict leading to the Civil War.

While economic differences and territorial expansion contributed to the tensions, they were primarily intertwined with the institution of slavery and the rights of states to maintain it. Foreign intervention was not a significant factor in the onset of the Civil War, as the conflict was predominantly a domestic issue centered around these key ideals.