Election of 1860 and Secession

These flashcards cover key events and themes from the Election of 1860 and the secession of Southern states, including important figures, legislative actions, and societal changes.

What did John Brown proclaim in December 1859 regarding the land’s crimes?

He believed that the crimes of the land would only be purged with blood.

What was the primary concern of Southerners following Lincoln’s election?

They feared for their economy and their constitutional right to own enslaved people.

What did the Republicans' economic program promise?

It favored Northern industrialists and proposed higher tariffs that would hurt the Southern economy.

What marked the beginning of significant Southern fears after Lincoln’s election?

The realization that a Republican victory would lead to threats against slavery.

What was John Brown’s objective during his raid at Harpers Ferry in 1859?

To initiate an armed uprising among enslaved people.

Who captured John Brown and his followers during the raid?

Federal troops under the command of Robert E. Lee.

What did John Brown argue during his trial?

He spoke eloquently about his humanitarian motives for wanting to free enslaved people.

What was the reaction of many Northerners to John Brown after his raid?

Moderates condemned his violence, while abolitionists regarded him as a martyr.

What challenges did the Democratic Party face during the 1860 election?

It faced a split, leading to the nomination of different candidates by Southern and Northern Democrats.

Who did the Republicans nominate for president in 1860?

Abraham Lincoln.

What was the primary goal of the Constitutional Union Party?

To preserve the Union and enforce laws and the Constitution.

What percentage of the popular vote did Lincoln secure in the 1860 election?

39.8 percent.

What significant event occurred in South Carolina in December 1860?

A special convention voted unanimously to secede from the Union.

How did the Confederate States of America’s constitution differ from the U.S. Constitution?

It limited the government's power to impose tariffs and restrict slavery.

Who was elected president of the Confederate States of America?

Jefferson Davis.

What was Lincoln’s stance regarding slavery during his inaugural address?

He would not interfere with slavery where it existed.

What caused the Civil War to begin on April 12, 1861?

The attack on Fort Sumter by South Carolina.

Which states seceded after Lincoln called for troops to preserve the Union?

Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

What were the Border States, and how did they impact the Union's strategy?

Delaware, Maryland, Missouri, and Kentucky; their loyalty was crucial to maintain the Union's strength.

What did some Southern whites claim regarding their right to secede?

They argued they were following the tradition of the Revolution of 1776, claiming rights to national independence.

How did historians’ views on the causes of the Civil War evolve over time?

Views shifted from slavery being the primary cause to economic interests and blundering politicians, finally returning to slavery as the chief cause.