Consider the causes of the Civil War. Clearly slavery was at the heart of the conflict. But can you make an argument for or against any of these ideas?
The war was caused by the country's over-reliance on cotton.
The war was caused by the economic control of international banks, which had no sympathy for the interests of rural Americans.
The war was caused by the inflamed rhetoric of abolitionists.
The war was caused by the aggression of the militant south and Confederate leaders who acted on emotion rather than reason.
The war was caused by a lack of communication, resorting to violence instead of diplomacy to settle political disputes.
Finally, toward the end of the week I will be asking you to consider what lessons can be drawn from the causes of the Civil War which are still important or relevant today?
Use your course notes and sources suggested during the discussion and remember if you do any additional research, include a link to your source.