Which view was held by most southerners of the secession? This question delves into the complex and multifaceted reasons that led to the secession of eleven Southern states from the United States in 1860-1861. The primary view held by most Southerners was that the secession was a necessary and justified response to the perceived threat to their way of life, particularly concerning the institution of slavery and the rights of states to govern themselves.
The Southern states were deeply rooted in an agrarian economy that relied heavily on slavery. Slavery was not just an economic system but a social and cultural institution that defined the Southern way of life. Many Southerners believed that the institution of slavery was essential to their economic prosperity and social order. As a result, they viewed any attempt to restrict or abolish slavery as a direct attack on their rights and interests.
One of the most significant issues that led to secession was the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States in 1860. Lincoln, a member of the newly formed Republican Party, was seen by many Southerners as an enemy of slavery. They feared that his administration would take measures to restrict or abolish slavery, which would undermine their economy and social order. This fear was compounded by the fact that Lincoln had expressed his belief that slavery was morally wrong and that it should eventually be eliminated.
Another factor that contributed to the Southern view of secession was the belief in states’ rights. Many Southerners argued that the federal government had overstepped its constitutional boundaries and was infringing on the rights of the states. They believed that each state had the right to govern itself and make its own decisions, including the decision to secede from the Union if necessary. This view was rooted in the belief that the federal government was a voluntary association of states, and that any state had the right to leave if it felt its rights were being violated.
The Southern view of secession was also influenced by the belief in white supremacy. Many Southerners believed that they were a superior race and that they had the right to govern themselves and maintain their social and economic system. They viewed the Northern states as a threat to their racial superiority and the institution of slavery, which they believed was essential to their way of life.
In conclusion, the view held by most Southerners of the secession was that it was a necessary and justified response to the perceived threat to their way of life, particularly concerning the institution of slavery and the rights of states to govern themselves. This view was influenced by economic, social, cultural, and racial factors, and it played a significant role in the events that led to the American Civil War.
