Early Republic Origins of the American Civil War

at time of american revolution, institution of slavery firmly established in american colonies. important in 6 southern states maryland georgia, total of half million slaves spread out through of colonies. in south, 40% of population made of slaves, , americans moved kentucky , rest of southwest, one-sixth of settlers slaves. end of war, new england states provided of american ships used in foreign slave trade while of customers in georgia , carolinas.

during time many americans found difficult reconcile slavery interpretation of christianity , lofty sentiments flowed declaration of independence. small antislavery movement, led quakers, had impact in 1780 s , late 1780 s of states except georgia had placed restrictions on participation in slave trafficking. still, no serious national political movement against slavery developed, largely due overriding concern on achieving national unity. when constitutional convention met, slavery 1 issue left least possibility of compromise, 1 pit morality against pragmatism. in end, while many take comfort in fact word slavery never occurs in constitution, critics note three-fifths clause provided slaveholders representatives in congress, requirement of federal government suppress domestic violence dedicate national resources defending against slave revolts, twenty-year delay in banning import of slaves allowed south fortify labor needs, , amendment process made national abolition of slavery unlikely in foreseeable future.

with outlawing of african slave trade on january 1, 1808, many americans felt slavery issue resolved. national discussion might have continued on slavery drowned out years of trade embargoes, maritime competition great britain , france, and, finally, war of 1812. 1 exception quiet regarding slavery new englanders association of frustration war resentment of three-fifths clause seemed allow south dominate national politics.

during , in aftermath of american revolution (1775–1783), northern states (north of mason–dixon line separating pennsylvania maryland , delaware) abolished slavery 1804, although in states existing slaves not liberated immediately. in northwest ordinance of 1787, congress (still under articles of confederation) barred slavery midwestern territory north of ohio river, when congress organized southern territories acquired through louisiana purchase, ban on slavery omitted.