Abolitionist Movement
The Abolitionist Movement was a big part in causing the Civil War. As time went on, the North became angrier and angrier at the treatment of the slaves. A lot of people started noticing how the South was treating their slaves and more people started to feel bad for the slaves. Also, after Harriet Beecher Stowe came out with her Uncle Tom's Cabin book, more and more became apart of the Anti-Slavery Movement. The Abolitionist Movement was gaining many people after John Brown's Raid, Fugitive Slave Act, and also Pottawatomie Massacre. John Brown's Raid was the attack on the Harper's Ferry, which began October 16 1859. Even though many people disagreed with John Brown's actions of violence, many more added on to the Abolitionist movement. As more people contributed to the Anti-Slavery Movement, the more angry the South got and strongly stated their views.
Election of Lincoln
After the Election of Abraham Lincoln, the South realized they were not doing so good. When Lincoln was debating with Stephan Douglas the south wasn't sure what the outcome of the election would be. Abraham stated that he will not change the circumstances on slavery, but will not allow it to expand, and it will eventually die out completely. This made Southerners even more frustrated at the idea that slaves will, at some point, be gone. They believed their economy and way of life would be destroyed if slavery did not exist. Southerners believed there was a type of conspiracy against them, and that was part of the reason slavery would end. They were scared of this conspiracy and the end of slavery, so some seceded. A total of 11 states seceded in the end.