Secession in 1861: Roots of Division
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Explain why seven states had seceded from the Union by February 1861.
ESSAY
The secession of seven states from the Union by February 1861 was primarily driven by the defense of slavery as an institution. Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas all cited the constitutional, natural, and Godly nature of slavery in their official documents. They feared that the election of Abraham Lincoln as president would lead to the abolition of slavery, as many in the North desired.
In addition to the defense of slavery, economic concerns also played a significant role in the secession of these states. Mississippi and Georgia, in particular, highlighted the potential loss of billions of dollars in terms of property and business if they were to remain part of the Union. The economic impact of abolishing slavery was a major concern for these states, as it formed the backbone of their agricultural and labor systems.
Another factor that contributed to the secession was the argument for states' rights. The seceding states contended that the Union was a compact that could be annulled if the states were dissatisfied with what they received from other states or the federal government. They pointed to the North's refusal to uphold the Fugitive Slave Act, as outlined in the 1850 Compromise, as evidence that this compact had already been broken.
Overall, the secession of these seven states was driven by a combination of factors, with the defense of slavery being the primary motivation. The economic impact of abolishing slavery and the argument for states' rights also played significant roles in their decision to secede from the Union.
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Explain why seven states had seceded from the Union by February 1861. Indicative content By the beginning of February 1861 seven states had seceded from the Union. They were: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. The primary reason was the defence of slavery as an institution. Many of the official documents from the states mentioned the constitutional, natural and Godly nature of slavery as it existed in the United States. In states such as Texas and Georgia they also argued for the extension of slavery into the territories and newly acquired land. They feared that the election of Lincoln would mean the end of slavery, as many in the North hoped. Many were also concerned about the economic impact of abolishing slavery. In the official secession documents from Mississippi and Georgia representatives noted that submitting to the North would mean a loss of billions of dollars in terms of property and business. States’ Rights – The states also argued that the Union was a compact, one that could be annulled if the states were not satisfied with what they received in return from other states and/or from the federal government. They argued that because the North had refused to uphold the Fugitive Slave act (as detailed in the 1850 Compromise) that this compact had already been broken. Accept any other valid responses