In the 1860s, the North and the South had vastly different economies. The North was primarily industrialized and relied on manufacturing and trade, while the South was primarily agricultural and relied heavily on slave labor. This fundamental difference in economic structure was one of the main causes of the Civil War.
The North had a diverse economy that revolved around manufacturing and trade. It had a large labor force of immigrants, with many people working in factories and mills producing everything from textiles to machinery. The North also had a well-developed transportation system, including railroads and canals, which facilitated trade with other regions and allowed for the easy movement of goods.
In contrast, the South was centered around agriculture, particularly cotton production, which relied heavily on slave labor. The Confederate economy depended on the export of cotton to Europe for income, and it didn't develop as many industries as the North did. The transportation system in the South was less developed, and many areas relied on riverboats to ship their goods.
However, while slavery was a major issue that led to secession and the eventual outbreak of the Civil War, it was not the only issue. Many Southerners believed in states' rights and were opposed to federal interference in their affairs. There were also tensions between the North and South over issues such as tariffs, which the South viewed as unfair taxation that favored Northern industries.
In summary, while the fundamental economic differences between the North and South, particularly regarding the role of slavery, were one of the major reasons for the Civil War, it was not the only issue. The conflict can be seen as a culmination of tensions that had been building up over several decades, including disagreements over states' rights, taxation, and federal authority.