-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Causes of the Civil War Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 19:14:59 EDT From: AWNRDC@aol.com To: bzbee@bellsouth.net William: This is a topic which generates a great deal of debate. You will find people who believe THE only cause was Slavery, and others who believe that slavery had nothing to do with it -- that it was about a way of life, centralized versus non-centralized government, economics (manufacturing versus agrarian), etc. The truth, in my opinion, lies in between these two extremes, although I am closer to the end that slavery was the single largest factor. Steve Elliot will tell you it's closer to the other end. I am sending you some sites where you can read various documents and editorials from the time period, essays that have been written since. You can come to your own conclusion. If you are asking as part of a school assignment, I suggest you see what your text and your teacher said. Causes of the Civil War Causes of the Civil War-a North Georgia perspective Causes of the Civil War - The relation of slavery, State's Rights, sectionalism, and economic factors which caused the Civil Causes of the Civil War (Confederate View) Outline of the Civil War-- With Links--From Great American History The importance of studying and understanding this conflict is that it was defining moment in our national history, with consequences we are still experiencing today. For many people, this study is a lifelong obssession. Make up your own mind what role various factors played in it. Anne