This book explores the deep divides that existed within the United States in the years leading up to the Civil War. Author William Chauncey Fowler delves into the political, economic, and social factors that led to the conflict, providing insights into the minds of many of the major players. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the root causes of one of America's darkest periods. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.