southern states rights and slavery

What Motivated The South To Fight In The Civil War

Let’s dive into why the South fought in the Civil War. Their economy depended heavily on slavery. Over 4 million enslaved people worked in cotton fields. Cotton was a huge global business back then. The South also wanted to keep state power. They hated federal rules taking over their choices. Socially, they protected old ways of life. Think of the rich planter class ruling everything. Politically, they chose to leave the Union. Eleven states seceded by 1861. That was their bold stand. Stay with me to learn even more!