Which factor made the Civil War the deadliest conflict in American history?

The Civil War is regarded as the deadliest conflict in American history primarily due to the intense political disagreements over slavery and states' rights, which were fundamental issues that divided the nation. The war arose from a deep-seated ideological conflict regarding the future of slavery in the United States, with the Southern states advocating for its continuation and the Northern states pushing for its abolition. This ideological struggle was exacerbated by questions of states' rights, with Southern states asserting their right to govern themselves and make decisions independent of federal authority, including the choice to maintain slavery.

These divisions not only led to the secession of several Southern states and the formation of the Confederacy but also sparked a widespread mobilization and commitment to the war effort on both sides. The scale of the conflict, combined with the fervent beliefs driving the combatants, contributed to high casualty rates. The immense loss of life during battles, along with the widespread devastation experienced throughout the war, established the Civil War as a turning point in American history, fundamentally shaping the nation’s future and solidifying the discourse around civil rights and federal authority.

While technological advancements in weaponry did contribute significantly to the high number of casualties, the root cause of the war and the motivations behind the ferocity of the