Question

Which is the best summary of the argument regarding secession that Robert E. Lee makes in “Letter to His Son”? The Constitution defends the rights of states to secede. It will lead to a stronger government. It is the only option for Southern states. It conflicts with the goals of the Constitution.

Answer 1

It conflicts with the goals of the Constitution.

Step-by-step explanation:

General Robert E. Lee was a patriotic American and Confederate soldier who played a huge role during the American Civil War. The letter that he wrote for his son shows his opinion and thoughts on the Abraham Lincoln led abolition of slavery and the possible secession of the Southern states from the union.

General Lee's "Letter to His Son" is a rather noteworthy document/ paper that shows his ideas on the secession of the southern states from the Union. He wrote that he "can anticipate no greater calamity for the country than a dissolution of the Union", and that "Secession is nothing but revolution". This shows his belief in the strength of the united Union is greater than the need to be apart from it. He finds that the very idea of seceding conflicts with the goals of the Constitution.

Answer 2

"It is the only option for Southern states" is the best answer, since Lee thought that the issue of slavery would never "play out" on its own. He was actually opposed to slavery but saw it as a necessary evil.