[laureldrive]

The Civil War could have been avoided if the South hadn't seceded. But Southern politicians were too insistent on getting slavery extended into the western territories, and when Lincoln's election made that unlikely, they tried to take their marbles and leave.

[smolensk]

Oh my what an amazing simplified summary right out of a high-school history book.

How about political power? Do you think that might have had a little something to do with it? Just look at the scabbling that goes on today over re-districting congressional districts and you will get a hint.