There are many interpretations of the causes and inevitability of the American Civil War. In Two Separate Societies Arthur C. Cole argues that the differences between the North and South's societies caused the war. But while differences can cause conflict, these tensions were not central. Had other variables such as the slavery issue and political failures been considered, Cole's essay would have been more helpful in explaining the coming of the war. Two other revisionists however, examined the issues of slavery and politics.
Many historians believe that the Civil War was avoidable.
Some believe that if the institution of slavery had ended when the Americans won their independence the conflict would not have taken place. Although this is a valid argument the chances of ending slavery were very small. They did not want slavery to be abolished because economically and socially slavery was important to them. Indeed, the issue of slavery, which helped precipitate the war, caused social differences between the North and South. Slavery was necessary to the Southern states, which depended upon forced labor.