Why did the tension increase between the northern and the southern states before the civil war?

Tension between the northern and southern states before the Civil War escalated due to several key issues, primarily centered around slavery and states' rights. The North's growing industrial economy and anti-slavery sentiment clashed with the South's agrarian economy that relied heavily on slave labor. Legislative disputes, such as the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska Act, further fueled divisions, as did events like the Dred Scott decision and John Brown's raid. These conflicts culminated in deep-seated animosities, ultimately leading to secession and the outbreak of war.