As we take a look back at how America became the nation we love and hate, we can't help but think of the Civil War. This war divided a nation and its outcome set the stage for how our nation still operates today. The issues between the North and the South, or as they became known in 1861, The Union and Confederate States of America, were not something that could be negotiated. The war lasted four years and ended with the victory of the North. I have to say that I agree with historians who believe that the Civil War was inevitable. The type of conflict between the North and the South was ultimately about money and such issues will most likely never be able to be resolved peacefully and without bloodshed. This remains true today, considering how our current government handles similar issues. Many might argue that most conflicts can be resolved without conflict, but my position on this particular issue is that when it comes to money and people's livelihoods, no amount of talking can satisfy both sides. The Civil War was inevitable because the South did not want to give up its slaves. The work the slaves did provided them with much wealth and, in their eyes, opportunities for even more. The South's profits came primarily from agriculture, while the North had evolved and earned its means through industrial activities. Since the South was adamant about keeping slavery active, it was more than displeased when Abraham Lincoln was elected president. Lincoln was very open about being against slavery. Even if he didn't necessarily want to end slavery. He just wanted to stop the expansion of the practice. However, the South saw it as a threat and assumed that the abolition of slavery would be inevitable... middle of paper ......sions since they knew it was against slavery, but the nail in the coffin was the attack at Fort Sumter. As soon as there was attempted bloodshed, there was no turning back. The issues were no longer up for debate and the only recourse was war. Works Cited Roark, J.L., Johnson, M.P., Cohen, P.C., Stage, S., Lawson, A., Hartmann, S.M. (2009). The American Promise: A History of the United States (4th ed.), The Southern Slave, 1820-1860, The House Divided 1846-1861 (Vol. 1, pp. 434-509). Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin's."States' Rights."Council on Foreign Relations. Council on Foreign Relations, n.d. Web. December 10, 2013. “Fort Sumter.” Council on Foreign Relations. Council on Foreign Relations, n.d. Web. 10 December. 2013. .