Nikki Haley has been pretty beat up over this question. What do you think the Civil War was about?

[MrShaun]

What do you say the Civil War was about?

Slavery only

Slavery but also states rights versus federal powers

Other (explain)

Updates

+1 y

For those who might want a clue, the main reason for the Civil War was absolutely slavery. No question. The founders initially wanted to outlaw slavery but couldn't get the southern states to ratify the Constitution.

In additon there was a lot of concern as to how much power to give the federal government. Jefferson felt the states should have the power of veto, but was away purchasing Louisiana when the Constitution was ratified.

The Confederate states were fighting for the power of Veto.

[RavVid]

Non American but I really wanted to see the answers so please excuse me.

Perspective change over time so that is the interesting part of the question.

[BarryLiverstone]

The civil war in the USA was about many things. It would be dishonest just saying it was about one.

[RavVid]

Thanks for an MHO but scarcely deserved. It was an interesting question.

[strateguy632]

the direct cause of the war was the southern states "seceding" revolting and violating their commitment to join the union and be part of the laws of the u. s.
the south wanted slavery so strongly that they seceded led by democrat dnc party leaders. now dnc talk about "america did slavery" to distract that democrat party wanted slavery as strongly as mentioned.

[wolfcat87]

Yup, they were also attempting to bully people in new states into voting for slavery as well even though the new states were against it. That was a major tipping point. They didn't want to be outnumbered when the new states joined, because they knew that meant slavery would be outlawed in their states. So, they sent people over to attack people at the polls.

[milyjohn]

I don't see what the big deal is. But if it was Biden up there answering questions, it would be:

"Mr. President, what's your favorite flavor of ice cream?"

[Lliam]

It sure as hell wasn't about slavery.

[MrShaun]

What do you think it was about?

[Lliam]

Put simply, it was about economics and trade. But it was complicated and had been brewing for a while. The southern states were getting screwed over by the northern states and didn't feel that they had equal representation in DC. So it did boil down to states' rights.

And there was nothing in the Constitution that said states could not secede from the union. The issue should have been put before congress but Lincoln exceeded his power.