A major resource that the north had that the south did not was fast flowing rivers. These fast flowing rivers powered the machinery of the north and contributed to the growth of industry. These differences in economic views and lifestyles had contributed to separation between the North and South since colonial times and were a main cause that led the inevitable war.
During the Antebellum period, the North and the South also had contrasting outlooks on the social standards that were to be followed in each region. The North saw slavery morally wrong due to the horrible conditions that they worked and lived in and because of the concept that slaves were property and not people. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote and published the best-selling antislavery novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, in 1852 to depict the evils of slavery and show that the Fugitive Slave Law was unjust. Stowe tried to give insight into the mind of an abolitionist who wanted to end slavery; however, the south did not support this concept of bringing an end to slavery because they felt that their property was being stolen from them (Document B). The south saw slavery as their way of life and thought of slaves as nothing more than another piece of their property. Dred Scott, an African American who was born a slave but had lived on free soil for four years, tried to sue his master for not granting him freedom (Document F). This lawsuit was unsuccessful due to the fact that Scott was only considered property, and therefore had no rights in order to sue his master. Because of the decision reached in the case of Dred Scott, abolitionist John Brown decided to present his racial ideals and take action in order to convey the message that slavery was morally wrong. After collecting materials and extremist followers to stage an uprising, John Brown violently demonstrated against the institution of slavery in Harper's Ferry, Virginia (Document D).