What developments and events drew the Union toward Civil War

The American Civil War lasted from 1861-1865. Eleven states seceded from the union to form the Confederate States of America. While the Civil War was devastating for the United States in terms of human loss of life, it was also the event that caused the American states to finally become united. What were the major events that led to secession and the beginning of the Civil War? Here is a list of the top nine events that led progressively towards the Civil War listed in chronological order.

01of 09 The Mexican War Ended - 1848