Decades of simmering tensions
between the northern and southern United States over issues including
states'
rights versus federal authority, westward expansion and slavery
finally exploded into conflict. Below is an outline of events
that contributed to the crisis and eventually pushed the United
States to Civil War.
1776
The colonies declare independence from English rule with
the adoption of The Declaration of Independence.
Written largely by Thomas Jefferson, the document declares "all
men are created equal."
