The issues that led to the outbreak of the American Civil War had simmered for decades beforehand and have been debated well after. The Road to Civil War delves deep into the culture and politics of the North and South, the nation's historical relationship with the chattel enslavement of humans, and the prewar perspectives of leaders in federal and state government. Features include author/illustrator biography, detailed maps, discussion questions, educational front/back matter, full-color illustrations, full-color photographs, glossary of key words, index, informative sidebars, primary-source text, sources for further research, suggested websites, table of contents, and timeline of key events. Downloadable Teacher Notes available.