Here is the questions that I had to answer: What social, political, and economic changes pulled the North and the South further apart? What was the final determining factor that led to Southern secession? Here is how I answered these two questions:
The economic aspect was that the South was more of an agricutural economy while the North had more trades and skills. The social aspect was that both the North and South were trying to earn money and use the land to their advantage, but their differences in business led to misunderstandings and judgement.
The last straw was when Lincoln became President. The South was worried that his views and power would led to a ban on slaves which played a major role in the plantations of the South.
Is this correct? Thanks.
Your answer provides a general understanding of the factors that contributed to the growing divide between the North and the South and the eventual secession of the Southern states. However, there are some additional details and factors that could be considered to further enhance your response.
Firstly, in terms of economic changes, it is important to note that industrialization was more prevalent in the North, leading to the establishment of factories and a shift towards wage labor. Meanwhile, the South relied heavily on agriculture, specifically the plantation system, which was highly reliant on slave labor.
Politically, conflicts over the expansion of slavery into new territories and states were a significant factor that pulled the North and the South further apart. The North had a more abolitionist sentiment, favoring the restriction of slavery's expansion, while the South saw this as a threat to their way of life and the economic reliance on slave labor.
Regarding social changes, the issue of slavery was deeply ingrained in the social fabric of the South. Slavery affected various aspects of Southern culture, including their social hierarchy and attitudes towards race. The North, on the other hand, did not have the same level of reliance on slavery and developed different social norms.
The final determining factor that led to Southern secession was indeed the election of Abraham Lincoln as President in 1860. The South viewed Lincoln as an opponent of slavery and feared that his presidency would lead to the eventual abolition of slavery altogether. As a result, several Southern states seceded from the Union, forming the Confederate States of America.
To further improve your answer, you might consider including some specific examples, such as the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which were significant legislative attempts to deal with the tensions between the North and the South over the issue of slavery.
Overall, your answer provides a solid foundation, but there are opportunities to delve deeper into the specific social, political, and economic changes that fueled the divide between the North and the South and ultimately led to Southern secession.
Your answer provides a general understanding of the social, political, and economic changes that led to the North and South growing apart, as well as the final determining factor for Southern secession. However, it would be beneficial to provide a more detailed and nuanced explanation. Here's a revised and expanded answer:
Socially, the North and South developed contrasting ways of life. The North experienced rapid urbanization and industrialization, leading to the rise of a diverse society with a growing middle class. In contrast, the South remained predominantly agrarian, relying heavily on large plantations and the institution of slavery. These differing social structures created distinct values, attitudes, and cultural practices, ultimately driving the two regions apart.
Politically, disagreements between the North and South escalated over several issues. One of the key debates revolved around the balance of power between the federal government and individual states. The North advocated for a stronger central government that could regulate economic activities, while the South wanted to preserve states' rights and limit federal interference. This divide deepened over time and intensified with the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860.
Economically, the North and South pursued different modes of economic development. The North embraced industrialization and saw tremendous growth in manufacturing, transportation, and trade. Conversely, the South focused on agriculture, specifically the cultivation of cash crops like cotton, tobacco, and rice, which relied heavily on slave labor. These economic differences fueled tensions as the North increasingly criticized and sought to curtail slavery, which the South perceived as an attack on their economic system.
The final determining factor for Southern secession was the election of Abraham Lincoln as president in 1860. Although Lincoln did not campaign on an abolitionist platform, his stance against the expansion of slavery and his party's dedication to limiting its influence alarmed many Southern states. They feared that a Republican administration would threaten their way of life and their economic dependence on slavery. As a result, South Carolina became the first state to secede, followed by ten other Southern states, leading to the formation of the Confederate States of America.
In conclusion, while your initial response provides a basic understanding of the factors that drove the North and South apart and led to Southern secession, adding more detail and analysis will enhance your answer's accuracy and completeness.