Title: The Roots of Division: Causes of the American Civil War and African-American Motivations for Joining the Union

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Introduction:

The American Civil War remains one of the most significant events in the nation’s history, marking a tumultuous period of conflict and division. This essay aims to explore two primary causes of the Civil War while also examining the motivations that led African-Americans to join the Union’s war effort. By delving into historical sources and analysis, this essay will shed light on the complex factors that precipitated this pivotal moment in American history.

Thesis:

The American Civil War was primarily fueled by the issues of slavery and states’ rights, and African-Americans were motivated to support the Union for the ideals of emancipation and the promise of citizenship.

Body Paragraphs:

1. Slavery as a Fundamental Cause:

   – The institution of slavery served as a fundamental economic and social system in the antebellum South.

   – The expansion of slavery into new territories exacerbated tensions between the North and the South.

   – The moral and ethical debates surrounding slavery intensified in the years leading up to the Civil War, dividing the nation along ideological lines.

2. States’ Rights and Secession:

   – Southern states asserted the concept of states’ rights as a justification for secession from the Union.

   – Disputes over states’ rights versus federal authority reached a boiling point with issues such as the nullification crisis and the debate over the extension of slavery into Western territories.

   – The election of Abraham Lincoln, a staunch opponent of the expansion of slavery, prompted several Southern states to secede, further escalating tensions.

3. African-American Motivations for Joining the Union:

   – African-Americans were driven by the desire for freedom and equality, viewing the Union cause as a means to achieve emancipation.

   – The Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Lincoln provided a significant impetus for African-Americans to support the Union, offering them the prospect of liberation from bondage.

   – Joining the Union Army offered African-Americans the opportunity to fight against the institution of slavery and contribute to the cause of freedom for themselves and future generations.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the American Civil War was driven by the intertwined issues of slavery and states’ rights, which ultimately led to the fracturing of the nation. Additionally, African-Americans played a crucial role in the Union’s war effort, motivated by the desire for emancipation and citizenship. By examining these causes and motivations, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities that shaped this transformative period in American history.”

I will need two pages added and to format the essay as guided