Why Were They Fighting in the Civil War Movie?
The Civil War, a pivotal event in American history, has been the subject of numerous films over the years. One such film, “Why Were They Fighting in the Civil War,” delves into the complex reasons behind the conflict that raged from 1861 to 1865. This article aims to explore the various factors that led to the outbreak of the Civil War, as depicted in the movie.
Political and Ideological Differences
One of the primary reasons they were fighting in the Civil War, as highlighted in the movie, was the deep-seated political and ideological differences between the Northern and Southern states. The North, with its growing industrialization and emphasis on a united, democratic nation, was at odds with the South, which relied heavily on agriculture and owned a significant portion of the country’s slaves. The issue of states’ rights versus federal authority played a crucial role in this conflict, with the South advocating for state sovereignty and the right to secede from the Union.
Slavery and Its Expansion
Another significant factor that fueled the Civil War was the institution of slavery. The movie emphasizes how the expansion of slavery into new territories and states became a contentious issue, leading to a growing divide between the North and the South. The North, increasingly opposed to the expansion of slavery, passed the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, which allowed territories to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. This act further intensified tensions and ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.
The Dred Scott Decision
The Supreme Court’s 1857 decision in the Dred Scott v. Sandford case also played a pivotal role in the Civil War. The movie depicts how the decision declared that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, could not be American citizens and therefore had no standing to sue in federal court. This ruling further emboldened the Southern states and deepened the divide between the North and the South, as the North viewed the decision as a direct attack on their rights and values.
Economic Factors
Economic factors also contributed to the conflict. The North’s industrialization and its reliance on a diverse economy, including manufacturing and trade, were in stark contrast to the South’s agrarian economy, which heavily relied on the labor of enslaved people. The North sought to end slavery and promote economic growth, while the South fought to preserve its way of life and the institution of slavery.
Conclusion
“Why Were They Fighting in the Civil War” effectively captures the myriad of reasons behind the Civil War. The movie highlights the political, ideological, and economic factors that led to the conflict, as well as the profound impact of slavery and the expansion of states’ rights. By exploring these factors, the film provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues that divided the nation and ultimately led to the Civil War.
