Hey there! Here are some immediate causes:
- Slavery:
In general, slavery angered people. The issue of slavery split the Democratic Party in two in 1860.
- First Shots at Fort Sumter:
Lincoln informs South Carolina that he is going to send ships there to supply the fort. The Confederacy attacked the fort because the ships could arrive, and the Union surrendered.
- Southern States Secede:
Before Lincoln took office, seven states seceded or withdrew, from the Union. The Confederate States of America chose Jefferson Davis as their president. Slavery and states' rights were protected in their Confederate Constitution.
- Election of 1860:
Because the North had more people, Lincoln won the election. When he took office, Lincoln tried to save the Union without war. (Failed)
Here are some secondary causes:
- Efforts at Compromise Fail:
When he took office, Lincoln tried to save the Union without war.
- Dred Scott Case:
In 1857, Dred Scott lost his case proving that he should be free because he had been held as a slave while living in a free state. The Court ruled that his petition could not be seen because he did not hold any property. But it went further, to state that even though he had been taken by his 'owner' into a free state, he was still a slave because slaves were to be considered property of their owners. This decision furthered the cause of abolitionists as they increased their efforts to fight against slavery.
I hope this helps you out a little bit. I know I am late but I still hope you've learned something today :)
