Inevitability of the Outbreak of the Civil War

The concept of the inevitability of the Civil War is explored alongside the speculation of the role an effective president during the antebellum period could have played in avoiding the war. Andrew Jackson's assertiveness in the face of rebellious movements, compared to James Buchanan's inaction during the secession of South Carolina, raises questions about the potential impact of strong leadership in preventing armed conflict. The failure to reinforce Fort Sumter and seize the harbor when South Carolina declared secession highlights missed opportunities that could have altered the course of events.