How did the Northerners and Southerners view slavery?

Northerners generally viewed slavery as morally wrong and a barrier to social progress, leading many to advocate for abolition and the rights of African Americans. In contrast, Southerners saw slavery as an essential part of their agricultural economy and social structure, justifying it as a necessary institution for their way of life. This fundamental disagreement over slavery contributed to the growing tensions between the North and South, ultimately culminating in the Civil War.