The Civil War Research: Exploring Causes of the Civil War (Essay Sample)

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Civil War
Introduction
Many scholars and great historians have tried to explore on Civil War, but none have come to clear and solid conclusion. The Civil War in the US was dynamical, and its causes were not well known. The dynamism of this historical event has urged editors, writers, and historians to be involved in researches trying to figure out the peculiarities and flow of the Civil War. The effects of such historical phenomenon are also of great importance, hence, motivate scientists for further research. This study seeks to explore and investigate the nature, causes, and effects of Civil Wars. The content of this research will provide profound knowledge and understanding of this event paving the way for further examinations as well as giving insight to current citizens to prevent the occurrence of such tragedies again.
Causes of the Civil War
The Civil War can be attributed to irrepressible conflicts that existed between the North and South, Blacks and Whites. Two regions had different economic ideologies before and during the Civil War with the South deemed more economically powerful. Research suggests that the main reason why war occurred was slavery, but primarily it also had economic prerequisites. The northern elite wanted an economic expansion that would change the southern way of life (McPherson n.p., b). The racial attitude was on the rise where blacks were meant to be slaves to whites. Allan Nevins concludes that the cause of the war was "slavery with its complementary problem of race adjustment," which caused the "fundamental assumptions, tastes, and cultural aims" of North and South to diverge. (McCardell 300). The fight between the North and South further intensified after the formation of the Republican Party, where a majority of its members were strongly opposed to the expansion of slavery into new states. When Abraham Lincoln was elected into power, this sent a signal to the Southern states that their influence and demands of expanding slavery would no longer succeed. The southern States felt that they had been left out of the American political system and they turned to secession, the political decision that ultimately led to the civil war.
The central assumption is that the cause of the rivalry between the North and South was the issue of the slave trade. However, the real cause of the conflict could have been something else and scholars have suggested that the different economic states might have fueled the war or the Celtic origins of most of the Southerners (McCardell 297). The schism between the North and South had widened so much that in the 1860’s they could have been viewed as two separate warring nations. It is still unfathomable to think that two states that share a common language, history, experience, and a commitment to a similar constitution would engage in a destructive war. It is important to note that during this time, the nation lacked any genuine leaders. The politicians at the time were simply extremists waging against each other over slavery, economic equality, and state rights (McCardell 298) and the result was “a breakdown of the democratic process.
Effects
The war had both positive and negative consequences. It led to romanticization and reminiscences that resulted in the feeling of ambivalence. Flashbacks caused mixed feelings that can be attributed to the deaths, injuries/wound marks sustained, or secret pride. Those involved changed and transformed the attitude regarding races. On the other hand, war survivors had memories where some romanticized and held them as secret pride, private pride for being part of the Civil War. Also, some people involved become an integral part in forming laws, such as Justice Holmes, while other joined military and leadership including Martin Luther King. The Civil War also led to abolitionism, where slavery and secession come to an end. Abolition and end of economic secession were the greatest achievements of the war. (McPherson 320, a).
After the War
The Northern continued to fight to secure tranquility and respect for their rights. It was not their choice but a necessity. The battle continued to surge as Northern fought for more respect and rights. Fundamental decisions were made to reduce the turmoil. Amongst them is reconstruction that laid a path for social justice, economic progress, and political equality for the enslaved. The other decision destined to reconciliation where the seceded states were to be united in the shortest time possible.
The period after the Civil War is referred to as the reconstruction, and it was a time of great controversy. Most of the war had been fought in the south leaving the region with a lot of problems like cities in ruins, burnt plantations, and destroyed transport network. Therefore, the other citizens in other parts of the country agreed that the South needed to be rebuilt and reformed politically, economically, and socially, but they argued and disagreed on how it would take place. It had the impact on giving the African Americans freedom by abolishing slavery, they were allowed to vote, and they enjoyed some form of economic improvement by being...