Which of the following issues was a significant factor leading to the Civil War?

Slavery was a central and defining issue that contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War in the United States. It was deeply intertwined with economic, social, and political factors at the time. The institution of slavery created significant divisions between the Northern and Southern states. In the South, the economy was heavily reliant on agriculture and the labor provided by enslaved people, which made slavery a fundamental aspect of daily life and economic stability. In contrast, the Northern states were moving towards industrialization and had increasingly abolitionist sentiments, viewing slavery as morally wrong.

The debates around slavery influenced many key events leading up to the Civil War, such as the Missouri Compromise, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the Dred Scott decision. These events highlighted the growing divide and escalated tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions. The election of Abraham Lincoln, who was opposed to the expansion of slavery, further exacerbated these tensions, leading to the secession of several Southern states from the Union. Thus, slavery stands out as the most significant issue that catalyzed the Civil War, making it the correct choice in understanding the root causes of the conflict.