The division between the North and South during the American Civil War was primarily fueled by economic differences, slavery, and states' rights. The Southern economy relied heavily on agriculture, particularly cotton, which depended on slave labor. In contrast, the North was more industrialized and favored free labor, leading to conflicting interests regarding tariffs and trade policies. Additionally, the South's emphasis on states' rights clashed with the North's push for a stronger federal government. These disparities culminated in rising tensions, with events such as the Kansas-Nebraska Act and John Brown's raid, ultimately igniting the Civil War in 1861 as each region sought to protect its way of life.