Slavery Leading to the Civil War

Disputes of slavery between the north and the south were one of the leading causes leading to the Civil War. The anti-slavery movements in the north were seen as threats to the economy and way of life in the south.

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Photograph of seven African American slaves sitting in a pile of cotton in front of a gin house on the Smith Plantation, 1861-1862). (Source: Library of Congress)
Fugitive slaves fording the Rappahannock River. This picture is from the main eastern theater of war, Bull Run, Virginia, July-August 1862. (Source: Library of Congress)
Photograph of escaped slaves sitting in front of an army tent. This picture is from the main eastern theater of war, Meade, Virginia, August-November 1863. (Source: Library of Congress)
Photograph of ex-slaves sitting in front of a cabin. This picture is from the main eastern theater of war, The Peninsular Campaign, May-August 1862. (Source: Library of Congress)
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