The causes of the American Civil War were complex, involving a mix of economic, social, and political factors. Key issues included disputes over slavery, states' rights, and the balance of power between the North and South. The South's agrarian economy relied heavily on slave labor, while the industrial North increasingly opposed slavery's expansion. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, who represented anti-slavery interests, triggered Southern fears of losing political power. The war's effects were profound, resulting in the abolition of slavery, significant loss of life, and a transformed political landscape. The war also laid the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement and ongoing debates about race relations in the U.S.