I. Introduction (Thesis idea (basic level): Differences between the northern and southern states in social, economic, and political culture served to shape the events leading to the U.S. Civil War.) II. Social Cultures a. Social Culture in North (topic sentence idea: “In the north, social culture was b. Social Culture in South (transition: “In contrast, southern social culture…” III. Economic Cultures a. Economic Culture in North (topic sentence idea: “Northern economic culture b. Economic Culture in South (transition: “Unlike the northern states, the southern IV. Political Cultures a. Political Culture in North (topic sentence idea: “Northern political culture b. Political Culture in South (topic sentence/transition idea: “While northern V. Conclusion arranged by…”) centered around…”) states economy was based on…”) focused on…”) political culture…, southern political culture was structured…”)