History of South America

Why did election of 1860 anger southern states?

1861 Secession Crisis

The election of Abraham Lincoln as President in 1860 was the immediate cause of the Secession Crisis, which led to the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861.

Factors that contributed to the anger and secession of the southern states in response to Lincoln's election:

1. Protectionism policies: Lincoln favored protectionist policies that imposed tariffs on imported goods to protect American industries. Southern states, which were largely dependent on agriculture and sought free trade for their products, viewed these policies as detrimental to their economic interests.

2. States' Rights and Slavery: Lincoln opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, although he did not advocate for its immediate abolition in the existing slave states. Southern states fiercely defended the institution of slavery and saw any perceived threat to its preservation as an infringement on their states' rights and a violation of the constitutional doctrine of popular sovereignty.

3. Fear of Northern Domination: With Lincoln's election and the increasing political power of the anti-slavery Republican party, southern states perceived a shift in the balance of power in favor of northern states, which had a larger population. They feared that the federal government would take steps to limit or diminish their economy, social customs, and political influence.

4. John Brown's Raid and Abolitionist Sentiment: The 1859 raid on the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry by abolitionist John Brown further deepened tensions between the North and the South. Many southerners saw this event as evidence of northern aggression and a threat to the stability and security of their way of life.

5. Political Representation and Minority Status: Southern states felt increasingly politically disadvantaged as the population of the North surpassed theirs. They were concerned about losing their influence and representation in the Senate, where states were equally represented regardless of population.

It's important to note that while the election of Abraham Lincoln was a catalyst, it was not the only reason for southern secession. Years of unresolved tensions, differences in political ideologies, and conflicting economic interests collectively played a significant role in the events that led to the Civil War.