Question

Abraham Lincoln won the presidential race in 1860. When South Carolina heard the results, they declared that the union was going to be dissolved. South Carolina and other states formed a new nation under the name of the "United States of America." Lincoln's name did not even appear on the ballot in most southeastern states. Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY reason why South Carolina seceded from the Union? (A) They were angry that Lincoln won the election. (B) They were afraid that Lincoln would abolish slavery. (C) They felt that the federal government was too powerful. (D) They wanted to form their own nation.

Answer 1

South Carolina seceded from the Union following Abraham Lincoln's election primarily due to their fear that Lincoln would abolish slavery, which their economy heavily depended upon.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely reason why South Carolina seceded from the Union after Abraham Lincoln won the presidential election in 1860 is option (B) They were afraid that Lincoln would abolish slavery. South Carolina, along with other southern states, was economically reliant on slavery, and they feared that Lincoln's presidency would pose a direct threat to this institution. It was this fear that not only led to South Carolina's secession but also to the formation of the Confederate States of America by South Carolina and other southern states.

Abraham Lincoln's name did not appear on most ballots in the southeastern states, which further emphasizes their strong opposition to his stance on slavery. So, while they may have been angry at his victory (A), had concerns about the power of the federal government (C), or desired to form their own nation (D), the paramount reason was their apprehension that Lincoln, and the anti-slavery Republican Party he represented, would disrupt their slave-based economy.

Learn more about Secession