Question

PLEASE HELP

How did Abraham Lincoln interpret the secession of Southern states?
Lincoln believed they committed acts of treason.
Lincoln surrendered to Confederate forces.
Lincoln granted them full independence.
Lincoln acknowledged the legitimacy of the new nation.

Answer 1

A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The secessionists claimed that according to the Constitution every state had the right to leave the Union. Lincoln claimed that they did not have that right. He opposed secession for these reasons:

1. Physically the states cannot separate.

2. Secession is unlawful.

3. A government that allows secession will disintegrate into anarchy.

4. That Americans are not enemies, but friends.

5. Secession would destroy the world's only existing democracy, and prove for all time, to future Americans and to the world, that a government of the people cannot survive.

Answer 2

Lincoln believed they committed acts of treason.