Which issue was a significant problem leading to the Civil War?

Slavery was the central issue that led to the Civil War, as it was intricately linked to the economic, social, and political tensions between the Northern and Southern states. The Southern economy heavily relied on slavery for agricultural production, particularly in the cotton industry, which was vital for both state and national economies. As abolitionist sentiments grew in the North, and with increasing calls for the end of slavery, those in the South became defensive about their way of life and economic interests.

Debates about the expansion of slavery into new territories and states further exacerbated these tensions. The notion of popular sovereignty, where territories could decide for themselves whether to allow slavery, led to conflicts and violent confrontations, known as "Bleeding Kansas." The election of Abraham Lincoln, who opposed the expansion of slavery, was perceived by many in the South as a direct threat to their institutions, ultimately leading to secession and the founding of the Confederate States of America.

Thus, slavery was not just a moral issue; it was a fundamental economic and social pillar that caused deep divisions and conflicts in the nation, making it the predominant cause of the Civil War. The other options, while significant in various contexts, did not drive the secessionist actions and armed conflict to