<human>:  What are some of the main causes of the American Civil War?
<bot>: The main causes of the American Civil War were largely due to the growing divide between the northern and southern states over issues such as slavery, states' rights, and economic practices. Slavery was a major point of contention within the US, with the North outlawing slavery while the South wanted to maintain it as a key component of their agricultural economy. Additionally, the South sought to protect their right to self-governance and as such, argued against federal government interference in their state's affairs. They also were opposed to what they perceived as the economic exploitation of the South by the more industrialized North. All of these factors led to the start of the American Civil War in 1861.