The Inevitability of Slavery as a Cause of the American Civil War

Throughout history, various perspectives have been presented regarding the underlying causes of the American Civil War. One significant argument is that some believe the war was not solely about ending slavery. This essay aims to refute this notion and emphasize the primary role of slavery in the conflict, supported by historical documents and events.

Deconstruction of the 'States' Rights' Argument

The idea that the American Civil War was primarily about 'states' rights' has been prevalent among those who aim to improve the image of the South. This narrative conveniently overlooks the deeper socio-economic and political implications of maintaining those 'rights.'

Maintaining states' rights was often a euphemism for preserving the institution of slavery. The Southern states recognized that federal interference in their 'domestic institutions' would eventually lead to the abolition of slavery, and thus, their desire to preserve their right to slavery was clear.

The Corwin Amendment, introduced during the debates leading up to the war, is a prime example. The amendment stated: 'No amendment shall be made to the Constitution which will authorize or give Congress the power to abolish or interfere with within any State the domestic institutions thereof, including that of persons held to labor or service by the laws of said State.' This amendment was intended to reassure the South that they could maintain their way of life, including slavery, without federal interference.

"No amendment shall be made to the Constitution which will authorize or give Congress the power to abolish or interfere within any State with the domestic institutions thereof including that of persons held to labor or service by the laws of the said State." --The Corwin Amendment

Senator Stephen Douglas, one of the Senate's most enthusiastic supporters of the resolution, characterized the Corwin Amendment as evidence that the North was neither hostile to the South nor to its domestic institution of slavery:

"If the northern states will by three fourth majority come forward and insert this clause in the Constitution it proves conclusively that there is no such sentiment in the North." --Stephen Douglas

Lincoln himself also acknowledged that the war was not about slavery. For example, in his Third Annual Message to Congress, he said, 'In giving the foregoing summary of our national policy, I have felt it a duty to forests [sic] all, with especial pertinency, those of the border states, that I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so.'

Evidence from the Confederate Constitution

The Confederate Constitution, enshrined in the document, makes it abundantly clear that the primary motivation for secession was to protect slavery. The preamble states, 'We, the people of the Confederate States, each State acting in its own sovereign power, in order to form a permanent confederation, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, invoke the aid of the Almighty to our right so to do. And in order to secure these ends the union [sic] now subsisting between ourselves and the people of the several states of New England, dissolved, and we have assumed our respective independent stations.' This reflects the idea that the Southern states were seceding explicitly to protect and preserve the institution of slavery.

Emancipation and enslaved individuals' perspective

Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, issued during the Civil War, declared, 'That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.' This document was not only a strategic move to weaken the Confederacy but also officially recognized the central issue of the war.

Over 200,000 African Americans fought for the Union, risking their lives to fight for freedom. Their motivations were not to defend 'states' rights,' but to fight for the right to their own bodies and futures. The war was about the abolition of slavery and the equality of African Americans.

Appomattox Court House and the Final Stages of the War

The surrender at Appomattox Court House marked the end of the Civil War, but it also underscored the war's central issue. Robert E. Lee, commanding the Confederate Army, faced a desperate situation. His army was low on food and morale, and he knew that surrendering would mean the end of slavery. Lee's surrender secured the end of the war and the abolition of slavery in the United States.

Consider this: if the war had not been about slavery, why would the South have fought to the bitter end at Appomattox? The answer is clear—they were fighting to preserve a way of life that was built on the backs of enslaved people.

In conclusion, the American Civil War was undeniably about slavery. The South sought to preserve the institution of slavery, as evidenced by the attempts to gain federal support through the Corwin Amendment and the Confederate Constitution. While some argue it was also about 'states' rights,' the historical evidence and the actions taken during the war clearly point to slavery as the primary cause.