What were the fundamental differences between the north and the south during this era?

Answer 1

The north wanted to abolish slavery, and the south wanted to keep slavery. The North thought that the South would become too powerful if they had free workers rather than employing workers. The South was happy that they were getting rich off cotton and they did not want to give up their slaves.

Answer 2

The north had an economy based on farming food emphasizing small family farms, and manufacturing. The north attracted more immigrants with more varied religions, languages and cultures. Industrialization based on the availability of coal and iron was supported by the transportation network afforded by the Great Lakes and and extensive railroad network. The availability of immigrant labor for factory jobs and the emphasis on small farms (along with very long winter seasons) made slavery unprofitable and undesirable in the north.

The south had an economy based on export goods produced mainly on large plantations. The most important products were cotton and tobacco. The south produced over 75% of the nation's exports, bringing in much-needed foreign currency. The labor-intensive crops produced by the south made slavery attractive to the white people with money and land. The south had a much more homogeneous culture than the north, with most people following Baptist, Anglican, and similar British-based faiths and most people speaking English.