5 causes of Civil War & Dominant Themes.

1. Slavery- slavery existed everywhere and played a large role in the Civil War occurring.
2. Dred Scott decision- this decision ended up overturning the Missouri compromise and denied the African Americans citizenship
3. Missouri Compromise- unclaimed owners the slave owners and also people against slavery saw as an opportunity
4. Growth of the abolitionist movement
5. Nat Turner's Rebellion- rebellion that killed close to 60 white men and led to the execution of many more


One of the most common and dominant themes in America from the early seventeenth century to later in the nineteenth century is slavery. Up to this point in history slavery has always had a noticeable impact. Many white families were able to survive and have enough food for their family because of slaves. Slaves, who were generally African American, provided for the families of their slaveowners. Another theme that was very dominant in America in this time period is abolitionism. Abolitionism basically means a movement to end slavery. Many agreed with abolitionism, but many disagreed with it. Of course, slaveowners were definitely not too fond of it as slavery is how they made a living. Many just wanted to end segregation and racial discrimination, but as they realized it was a process to end slavery. Another dominant theme during this time period is States' Rights. This refers to the struggle of power between the federal government and the states. When laws were made most of the time not all of the states agreed with them. This struggle for power primarily to emancipate slavery in individual states caused trouble. The government believed it should be able to decide whether slavery should be allowed in the states and the states believed they should be able to decide. The last theme that I believe presented dominance is the politicians of this period. Thomas Jefferson was responsible for the Louisiana purchase. James Madison who was known as the father of the constitution. And, last Abraham Lincoln who was president when slavery was abolished.