The long established political power of the South was no longer invincible. The northern politicians were beginning to push back. Some southern leaders foresaw the economic dangers of secession and instead planned to overtake the Republic. They sought to preserve slavery and their way of life in the face of increased immigration from Europe which created a larger pool of "free" labor. The industrial North was no longer willing to cede to every demand by the southern oligarchy "in order to preserve the Union." The South was prepared for war, and the North could not, and would not, back down this time. Fort Sumter would be the opening salvo...