2. Why do you believe Southern states moved towards secession after the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860? What were the most significant issues for Southerners and why was secession an option?

Question

2. Why do you believe Southern states moved towards secession after the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860? What were the most significant issues for Southerners and why was secession an option?

Answer 1

Lincoln was a member of the fairly new Republican party which opposed the extension of slavery. This was significant as the U.S. had gained much land in the years before 1860 and both for political reasons and moral reasons, the North and South differed on the issues. Southerners felt that by opposing the extension of slavery that northerners were trying to destroy southern influence in the Congress and, therefore, prohibit the establishing of laws favorable to slavery. The North was seen as trying to destroy the southern way of life. Southerners felt that their only option was secession.

Answer 2

Southerners did not believe Abraham Lincoln would protect the institution of slavery. So, they felt no other option, but to secede.