As the election of 1860 becomes nearer, the existing systemic disagreements reveal themselves on a larger scale. The United States remains divided, and the resolution of this crisis should be the primary focus of the upcoming years. Over the 19th century, the issue of civil rights in the context of slavery has been receiving increased attention. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 allowed territories to decide whether slavery should be allowed there, causing outrange in some circles (McPherson, 2015). The political opponents were quick to respond by extending slavery in the areas over which they had power. Evidently, there is a conflict of legislation, which may transform into more active events. Moreover, the case of Dred Scott, who sued for freedom and was refused it, caused heated debates (U.S. Department of the Interior, n.d.). The United States Supreme Court ruled that all Americans of African origins could not be deemed the country’s citizens, thus depriving them of the right to sue. The clash of opinions between slavery proponents and liberal thinkers has reached an unprecedented level of tension.
Judging by the latest development of the situation, society has almost passed the point of no return. The question of slavery has been the key topic for discussion throughout the campaign of the 1860 election. The North and the South have a decades-long history of disagreement, but American slavery appears to be the first issue, which cannot be resolved in a peaceful way (U.S. Department of the Interior, n.d.). The entire economy of the Southern states depends largely on slavery, meaning that they will not compromise, as it would entail severe disadvantages in terms of the area’s prosperity (Gallagher & Waugh, 2016). Accordingly, the secession remains inevitable, especially if Abraham Lincoln secures a victory.
At the same time, the North is equally unlikely to change its stance. Despite some views in regards to the economic benefits of slavery, it does not appear possible to preserve it in the United States, especially in its current form. Recent events, such as the controversial Kansas-Nebraska Act and the case of Dred Scott, highlight the attention devoted to the question (U.S. Department of the Interior, n.d.). This movement cannot be stopped, as the entire African American community, along with the progressive, liberal thinkers, now realizes the fundamental value of freedom.
References
Gallagher, G. W., & Waugh, J. (2016). The American War: A history of the Civil War era. Flip Learning.
McPherson, J. (2015). The war that forged a nation: Why the Civil War still matters. Oxford University Press.
U.S. Department of the Interior. (n.d.). Slavery: Cause and catalyst of the Civil War. Library of Congress.