What were the main causes of the American Civil War?

The main causes of the American Civil War were slavery, states' rights, and economic differences, making this choice the most accurate representation of the complex factors leading to the conflict.

Slavery was the most contentious issue, as the Southern economy heavily relied on slave labor for agricultural production, particularly in the cotton industry. The moral and political opposition to slavery in the North intensified over decades, leading to significant tensions between the two regions.

States' rights played a crucial role as Southern states sought to assert their authority to make laws and govern themselves, particularly in relation to maintaining the institution of slavery. This belief contributed to the South's decision to secede from the Union, as they felt their rights were being threatened by the federal government's efforts to limit slavery's expansion.

Economic differences further exacerbated tensions. The Northern economy was increasingly industrialized and favored tariffs that protected its industries, while the Southern economy was predominantly agrarian and opposed such tariffs that they felt benefited the North at their expense. These economic disparities fostered resentment and division between the regions.

The other options do not effectively capture the primary causes of the war. While industrialization and urbanization were prominent in the North, they do not encompass the fundamental social and political divisions that drove the conflict.