What was one of the primary causes of the Civil War?

The primary cause of the Civil War was slavery. The institution of slavery was deeply entrenched in the Southern states' economy and social structure, leading to significant tensions between the North and South. The North, which had largely eliminated slavery, pushed for its restriction and eventual abolition, viewing it as morally wrong and incompatible with the principles of freedom and equality. In contrast, the Southern economy relied heavily on slave labor for its agricultural production, making the issue of slavery a central point of conflict between the two regions.

The debate over slavery not only fueled sectional animosity but also intersected with other issues such as states' rights and political power. Efforts to expand slavery into new territories and states further exacerbated the divide, leading to events like the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the violent clashes known as "Bleeding Kansas." Ultimately, the inability to reconcile differences over slavery and its expansion contributed significantly to the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.

Other options listed, such as political corruption, environmental concerns, and colonialism, while relevant to American history, did not serve as the primary drivers of the conflict that led to the Civil War. Political corruption was present throughout the period but was not a direct cause of the war. Environmental concerns were not