2. Slavery: The issue of slavery was a major factor in the secession crisis. The Southern states were heavily dependent on slavery, and many Southerners feared that the federal government would eventually abolish slavery. The Republican Party, which was opposed to slavery, had come to power in 1860, and Southerners saw this as a threat to their way of life.
3. Economic interests: The secessionists also believed that the federal government was biased against the South. They argued that the federal government was favoring the Northern states economically, and that the South was not getting its fair share of resources.
4. Political power: The secessionists believed that the South was losing political power in the United States. The North was more populous than the South, and was gaining more representation in Congress. The secessionists feared that the South would eventually be dominated by the North.
5. Cultural differences: The secessionists also believed that the South had a distinct culture from the North. They believed that the South was more conservative and traditional than the North, and that the two regions were fundamentally incompatible.
The secessionists believed that the only way to protect their interests was to leave the United States and form their own country. They saw secession as a way to preserve their states' rights, protect slavery, and maintain their economic and political power.