Final answer:
The justifications for southern secession included the election of Abraham Lincoln, the preservation of states' rights, and economic interests, but not a desire for territorial expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The justification for southern secession that was NOT among those listed by secessionists includes d) A desire for territorial expansion. The reasons prominently cited for secession were largely centered around:
- a) The election of Abraham Lincoln, who represented a party that was against the spread of slavery to new territories.
- b) Preservation of states' rights, specifically the right to own slaves and the concern over federal authority overruling states' decisions.
- c) Economic interests, which were deeply intertwined with the institution of slavery as the South's economy was heavily reliant on it.
Therefore, 'A desire for territorial expansion' did not feature among the justifications provided by southerners for secession.