Why did the South Secede?

Why did the South Secede?

1. Yes. Slavery. But that's only part of the answer. 2. Many Southerners feared that the Republican Party & the North threatened states' rights. Feared Northern interference in Southern affairs (not justwith slavery). 3. Many Southerners wanted to end economic dependence on the North. (Sell cotton directly to Europe, for example). 4. Many Southerners believed they would be unopposed. The bankers and industrialist of the North owed their wealth to the South. 5. Many believed that States could voluntarily withdraw from the union if the federal government violated self- determination. (That is, nullification because

Dred Scott vs. Sanford

1843: Emerson died 1846: Dred Scott tried to purchase his freedom: $300 Emerson's wife refused. Scott goes to court. 1850: Scott wins court case. 1852: Emerson's wife appeals the decision. 1857: Dred Scott vs. Sanford The Supreme Court (7 to 2) Scott Lost the case

Dred Scott

Born in Virginia in 1799 Sold to Dr. John Emerson, 1832 (an army doctor who traveled to free states on ocassion) On free soil for 4-5 years. 1837: Returned to Missouri 1837-1843: Often leased to other masters while Emerson was away

Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln had Left politics in 1849. Opposition to Mexican War made him unpopular. Resumed practicing law until 1854. Helped build the Republican Party 1858, Lincoln-Douglas Debates. Douglas's answers on popular sovereignty split the Democratic party Lincoln lost the election to become Senator, but entered the national spotlight.

The Presidential Election of 1860

Lincoln's Campaign (or lack thereof) Lincoln did not campaign, he let his record speak for itself. He had developed his "home spun" image. Meanwhile the other candidates duked it out. Lincoln won with only 40% of the popular vote. 180 Electoral votes-Carried the North (save MO & NJ). Lincoln banned on ballots in 10 Southern states. Breckinridge won Deep South. Bell won border states.

Lincoln's Platform

No expansion of slavery. Tariffs to protect businesses. Rights for immigrants. Build Pacific Railroad. The Feds would pay for improvements to the West. Homesteads from public lands for farmers.

Crittenden Compromise

Senator John J. Crittenden, Kentucky December 1860, Proposed the "Crittenden Compromise" 6 Constitutional Amendments, 4 Congressional resolutions Restore Missouri Compromise of 1820, Slavery given full protection in the South—even in new territories. Popular Sovereignty in future states. Northern states must repeal "personal liberty laws." Lincoln Rejected It. As did other Republicans in Congress. The Republicans had run on an anti-slavery platform. No Compromise.

The Confederate States of America

South Carolina Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee Jefferson Davis chosen as President. Alexander Stephens of Georgia, Vice President.

The Presidential Candidates of 1860

The Democratic Party Split Stephen Douglas—Northern Democrat. John C. Breckinridge—Southern Democrat. Constitutional Union Party Goal: keep the Union together. Feared Lincoln becoming President would cause the South to secede. Nominee: John Bell. Republicans—Abraham Lincoln

Dred Scott vs. Sanford Ruling

The Supreme Court Ruling: The Land Ordinance of 1787 did not give automatic freedom of slavery. The Missouri Compromise of 1820: Unconstitutional. Congress could not forbid slavery. Not in is power. ANY AFRICAN, FREE OR SLAVE, WAS NOT A CITIZEN. THEREFORE COULD NOT SUE...