Major spoilers below. If you have not seen “Captain America: Civil War” and want to, do not read any further.
The Accords
The first official conflict that Steve and Tony clashed over was the Sokovia Accords, a document that stated the Avengers would answer to a UN panel which would decide when the Avengers would be allowed to go on missions. Whoever did not sign was forced into retirement. If anyone who retired went on any secret missions, they would be considered criminals.
Steve's side: Thaddeus Ross, who approached the Avengers with the document and would most likely be overseeing the Avengers, is not a good person, not in the slightest. Steve also does not have great personal experience with trusting the government, especially after the last governmental agency he worked for ended up being corrupted. In addition, the Avengers were given only three days to decide to sign over their rights with the Accords. It makes perfect sense for him to be hesitant about signing. Even though he’s assured that they will be able to alter the document after they sign, he wants to know what they are agreeing to now, and no one has that answer for him.
Tony's side: Personally, Tony feels guilty for his past mistakes and thinks the Avengers need to be put in check. He points out that if the Avengers don’t sign this document now, they will be forced to sign something much worse later. This is true. As another character points out, the Accords are the middle ground, and with this document they can “still steer” without having all of their freedom taken away. Tony also feels that once they sign, and get the good PR, they will be able to amend and change whatever they don’t like about the document.
Who was right? Both of them. The characters’ opinions about the Accords were purposely written so that they were both correct in their way of thinking.
Who was wrong? Both of them. Both characters struggled with compromising and communicating.
The UN Bombing
A larger conflict that arises is centered around Steve’s childhood friend Bucky. In the film, he is accused of bombing the UN, and most people believe this report because in the past, Bucky was brainwashed assassin that worked for HYDRA.
Steve's side: Steve chooses to help his friend. Despite retiring after refusing to sign the Accords, he goes on his own personal mission to prove Bucky’s innocence, making him a criminal. The problem with this is he originally acts on blind faith and stubbornness; he doesn’t have actual proof Bucky is innocent, he just wants to believe that he is. Eventually, however, he finds enough evidence to prove to those who will listen that Bucky was framed, and he gathers a team together to try and stop the actual bomber.
Tony's side: Tony is under pressure from the Accords and Thaddeus Ross to bring in Bucky and Steve. When Steve tries to explain to Tony that someone else was behind the bombing, Tony refuses to listen. It is not until actual proof is released to the public that Tony believes Bucky was framed and changes his mind.
Who was right? Steve. It is revealed that Bucky was indeed framed, and if he had not intervened an innocent man would have been killed.
Who was wrong? Tony. And when he realized he was wrong, he chose to ignore the Accords and go help Steve and Bucky against Thaddeus Ross’ wishes.
Tony’s Parents
The most complicated conflict came at the end of the film where it was revealed that Bucky, while brainwashed and under control by HYDRA, killed Tony’s parents on a mission. Tony, under the impression his parents died in a car accident, then attempts to kill Bucky, only to be stopped by Steve in a gruesome and emotional fight.
Steve's side: Steve knew that HYDRA was behind Tony’s parents’ death, but did not know it was Bucky (though he strongly suspected). He kept the truth from Tony, and when Tony tries to kill Bucky, he chooses to protect him. He does not kill Tony, just fights him until he is able to disable Tony's suit to get him to stop.
Tony's side: After literally the worst day ever, Tony reaches his breaking point and attempts to kill Bucky out of vengeance. He also fights Steve out of anger that Steve spent the whole movie protecting the person who killed his parents.
Who was right and wrong? It's complicated, and here's why.
Bucky was a victim, pure and simple. He obviously felt remorse for what he did, even though he was forced into those acts and had no control over what happened. Steve was right to defend his friend because Bucky was a victim in the situation and Tony was not acting rationally.
However, even though Bucky did not deserve to be attacked by Tony, Tony’s reaction is understandable. He snaps when he finds out how his parents actually died. Later, when he’s had some time to process, he probably will calm down and realize it’s not Bucky’s fault.
Even though Tony's reaction was wrong, the worst offender in this situation is in fact Steve. He was wrong to not tell Tony the truth about his parents’ deaths. If he had, Tony would have had time to process and grieve, and therefore would have been able to realize that Bucky was ultimately not at fault in the moment instead of attacking Bucky. When Steve realizes this, he apologizes and admits he was in the wrong.
All in all, Steve and Tony were never going to agree on the Accords based on their ideological differences, and they apologize for the two biggest mistakes they make. Throughout the whole movie, both Steve and Tony made decisions based off of emotional reactions and biased opinions. So instead of "Team Cap" or "Team Iron Man," people should choose "Team Let's Communicate Better And Not Make Rash Decisions."
