Key Point Explanation

Abraham Lincoln won the presidency without carrying a

1. Reactions to the
single Southern state. His victory alarmed the South,
1860 presidential
which feared he would abolish slavery. This triggered
election
immediate outrage and calls for secession.
Beginning with South Carolina in December 1860,
2. Secession of the
seven states (SC, MS, FL, AL, GA, LA, TX) seceded from
seven Deep South
the Union and formed the Confederacy, formally
States
breaking away from federal authority.
In April 1861, Confederate forces attacked the Union-
3. The Battle of
held Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Lincoln responded
Fort Sumter and its
by calling for troops. This marked the first military
impacts
conflict and officially began the war.
Lincoln aimed to preserve the Union, not initially to
4. The aims of
abolish slavery. Davis, as Confederate president,
Abraham Lincoln
sought to protect states’ rights and slavery. Their
and Jefferson Davis
conflicting goals made compromise nearly impossible.
The results of the 1860 presidential election
I. Rational Reasons Against Secession
Point Explanation
Lincoln’s Promise He promised not to interfere with slavery where it already
existed.
Limited Republicans did not control Congress or the Supreme Court.
Republican Power
Constitutional The U.S. Constitution limited presidential power.
Limits
Fugitive Slave Act Secession would undermine this enforceable pro-slavery law.
Risk of War Civil war could destroy slavery more completely than a
Republican presidency.

II. Southern Fears and Reactions

Point Explanation
Republican First time a purely northern anti-slavery party won the
Victory presidency.
Perception of Portrayed as an abolitionist likely to encourage slave
Lincoln rebellions.
Fear of Concern about being surrounded by growing number of free
Encirclement states.
Honor and Southern pride demanded resistance against Lincoln's
Outrage election.
Emotional Mixed emotions: hysteria, despair, and elation among
Reaction Southern society.
Rise of Fire- Secessionist radicals gained mainstream political support.
eaters

III. Internal Divisions Among Secessionists

Point Explanation
Not United Many Southerners still favored Union and were uncertain about
secession.
Strategy Debate Some wanted immediate secession; others wanted to wait for
Northern aggression.
Risk of Acting too soon could fracture Southern unity.
Premature
Action
Danger of Acting Fear of isolation like South Carolina in the 1832 Nullification
Alone Crisis.
Mass Movement Coordinated mass action could also fail, as it did in 1849–50.
Risks
Election Comparison: U.S. Senator (1858) vs. President
(1860)
Feature 1858 Senate Election (Illinois) 1860 Presidential Election
Who is being U.S. Senator (from Illinois) President of the United States
elected?
Key Candidates Stephen A. Douglas Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A.
(Democrat) vs. Abraham Douglas, John Breckinridge,
Lincoln (Republican) John Bell
Who votes Illinois state voters vote for U.S. citizens vote for
directly? state legislators presidential electors
Who actually The Illinois State The Electoral College
makes the final Legislature (electors from each state)
choice?
Popular vote No – popular vote only No – electoral vote determines
decides the influences state legislature the winner
winner?
Winner in Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln (with ~40% of
popular vote? the national popular vote)
Winner in final Stephen A. Douglas Abraham Lincoln
result?
System used Indirect election via state Electoral College system
legislature

The results of the 1860 presidential election

Secession of the seven Deep South states

1. South Carolina Leads Secession

Date Event
10 South Carolina called elections for a secession
November convention.
1860
17 Convention scheduled to meet and decide on secession.
December
1860
20 South Carolina voted unanimously (169–0) to secede from
December the Union.
1860
4 February South Carolina invited other states to a convention in
1861 Montgomery, Alabama, to form a new Southern
government.
Impact Explanation
Triggered Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Florida began
similar the process of holding secession conventions.
action
Texas Governor Sam Houston opposed secession and delayed
delayed action briefly.

2. Source G – South Carolina’s Declaration of Secession

(Summary)

Main Argument Explanation

South Carolina Claimed it was returning to its rightful status as a
had the right to sovereign nation.
secede
North violated Accused Northern states of interfering with Southern
constitutional domestic institutions and denying property rights
rights (i.e. slavery).
Northern Condemned Northern anti-slavery rhetoric,
aggression abolitionist societies, and attempts to remove
against slavery Southern “property” (enslaved people).

3. Secession Spreads to Other Deep South States

State Conventio Popular Vote Breakdown (if Date of

n Vote available) Secession
Vote
Mississi 85–15 Immediate: 16,800; Co- 9 January
ppi operationists: 12,218; Unknown: 1861
12,000
Florida 62–7 Co-operationists received over 10 January
35% of the vote 1861
Alabam 61–39 Secessionists: 35,600; Co- 11 January
a operationists: 28,100 1861
Georgia 208–89 Secessionists: 44,152; Co- 19 January
operationists: 41,632 1861
Louisia 113–17 Secessionists: 20,214; Co- 26 January
na operationists: 18,451 1861
Texas 166–8 Referendum: 44,317 for secession; 1 February
13,020 against 1861

4. Republican Reaction – The "Slave Power" Conspiracy

Republican Explanation
Viewpoint
Secession was Claimed elite slaveholders manipulated public
undemocratic opinion.
Majority of Argued that most Southerners did not truly
Southerners misled support disunion.
The aims of Lincoln and Davis
1. Northern and Southern Expectations in
Early 1861
Region Beliefs & Expectations
North Believed the South was bluffing or had been taken over by a radical
minority. Expected seceded states to return soon.
South Assumed the North would not fight to preserve the Union.
Border Believed a peaceful compromise could be arranged to restore unity.
States

Conclusion: Most Americans in early 1861 did not expect war. However, these
hopes soon proved unfounded.

2. The Formation of the Confederacy

(February–March 1861)
Event Details
4 February 50 delegates from the seceded states met in Montgomery,
1861 Alabama to form the Confederate government.
Delegate Mostly lawyers or planters; 49 were slaveholders, and 21 owned
profile over 20 slaves; 60% were ex-Democrats.
Political Nearly half were co-operationists. The convention tried to present
strategy a moderate, united image.
Constitution Modeled on the U.S. Constitution but with stronger protection of
(March 1861) slavery and states’ rights.

3. Jefferson Davis – Background and

Leadership
Jefferson Davis – Biographical Timeline
Year Event
1808 Born in Kentucky (same birth state as Abraham Lincoln)
1825 Graduated from West Point
1835 Resigned from the army after marrying Sarah Taylor (daughter of General
Zachary Taylor); she died three months later
1835– Became a planter at Brierfield, Mississippi
1845
1845 Married Varina Howell and was elected to the U.S. Congress
1846 Fought in the Mexican-American War
1847 Elected to the U.S. Senate
1853– Served as Secretary of War
1857
1861 Elected President of the Confederate States of America
1865 Captured by Union forces
1867 Released from prison
1889 Died

Personal & Political Timeline

Born in Kentucky (1808), graduated from West Point (1825), became a
planter, fought in the Mexican War, held seats in Congress and the Senate,
served as Secretary of War (1853–57), and was elected Confederate
president (1861). Captured in 1865 and released in 1867. Died in 1889.
Historical Assessment Details
Generally seen as Davis lacked communication skills, was sensitive to
inferior to Lincoln criticism, had poor health, and did not inspire public
morale.
Strengths Military and government experience; respected Southern
aristocrat figure.
Positive interpretation Davis had unmatched reputation and ability among
(Donald, Baxter, Holt) Southern leaders.
Vice Alexander Stephens, a Georgian anti-secessionist, was chosen to
President attract moderates.
Cabinet Included members from each Confederate state to reflect unity.

4. Davis’s Inaugural Address – Source H (18

February 1861)
Key Themes Quotations and Interpretation
Independence “We have entered upon the career of independence… must be
and separation inflexibly pursued.” — Confirms the Confederacy’s commitment
to permanent separation.
Failed “We have vainly endeavoured… to secure tranquillity” — Argues
compromise that the South tried to reach peace but failed due to Northern
with the North aggression.
Secession as “As a necessity, not a choice” — Frames separation as a forced
necessity, not response, not a desire for conflict.
choice
Preference for “If a just perception… permit us peaceably to pursue” — Davis
peace claims his goal is peaceful coexistence.
Preparedness “If… assailed, we… appeal to arms” — Confirms readiness to
for war defend Southern independence if attacked.

5. The Upper South and Its Reluctance to

Secede
States Involved Actions & Results (Early 1861)
Virginia Only 32 of 152 convention delegates favored
immediate secession.
Tennessee & North Carolina Public referenda rejected even holding secession
conventions.
Arkansas Voted for a convention, but delegates rejected
secession.
Missouri, Kentucky, No progress toward secession.
Maryland, Delaware
Reasons for Reluctance
1. Less economic dependence on slavery – smaller Black population.
2. Non-slaveholders feared domination by elite planters in the Confederacy.
3. Stronger economic ties with the North made them more fearful of the
cost of separation.

Note: Most Upper South voters had supported Bell or Douglas in 1860, not
Breckinridge, the pro-secession Democrat.

6. Lincoln, Buchanan, and the Search for

Compromise
President Buchanan (until Actions & Judgments
March 1861)
Did little to stop Avoided confrontation, hoping not to start a war.
secession
Took no action as Forts, customs houses, post offices fell into Southern
Confederates seized hands.
federal assets
Criticized for inaction Historians say he failed to lead effectively—but also
lacked Republican trust and influence with Southern
leaders.

7. Congressional Efforts for Compromise

(Late 1860 – Early 1861)
House of 33-member committee formed but was ineffective due to
Representatives size.
Senate Committee of Led by John Crittenden (KY Unionist), proposed Crittenden
13 Compromise.
Crittenden Compromise Key Proposals
1. Extend Missouri Compromise line (36°30′) to the Pacific, allowing slavery
south of the line in current and future territories.
2. Constitutional amendment to guarantee slavery where it already existed.
3. Congress barred from abolishing slavery in Washington, D.C.

Outcome ： Republicans, now stronger after Southern withdrawal, rejected the

proposals—seeing them as surrender rather than compromise.

Crittenden Compromise (1860–1861)

Section Content
Background Proposed in December 1860 by Senator John J. Crittenden of Kentucky
as a final attempt to prevent Southern secession and avoid civil war.
Purpose To constitutionally guarantee the protection of slavery in current and
future U.S. territories, thereby satisfying Southern demands for
security.
Key 1. Restore the Missouri Compromise line (36°30′) and extend it to the
Proposals Pacific Ocean. Slavery would be permitted in territories south of the
line.
2. Congress would be permanently prohibited from abolishing slavery
in states where it already existed.
3. Congress would not abolish slavery in Washington, D.C., as long as
 it remained legal in Maryland and Virginia.
4. Congress would have no authority to interfere with the interstate
slave trade.
5. All future territories acquired by the U.S. would be subject to the
same division (north free, south slave).
6. These provisions would be added to the Constitution as
unamendable amendments, protected from repeal.
Outcome The proposals were rejected by Republicans in Congress, who
opposed the extension of slavery into new territories. The compromise
was never enacted.
Historical The Crittenden Compromise was the most prominent and formal
Significance attempt to reach a constitutional settlement. Its failure signaled the
collapse of sectional compromise and the imminence of war.

8. The Virginia Peace Convention (February

1861)
Details
Called by Virginia Held in Washington, D.C.
133 Delegates Included major national figures
Attended
Supported Crittenden- Proposed extending 36°30′ and protecting slavery where
like proposals it already existed
Outcome Proposals were ignored by Congress and failed to
prevent the slide toward war

Comparative Table: Crittenden Compromise vs. Virginia

Peace Convention
Category Crittenden Compromise (1860– Virginia Peace Convention
1861) (February 1861)
Initiator John J. Crittenden, U.S. Senator from The Virginia state legislature
Kentucky
Time and December 1860 to January 1861, February 1861, held in
Location proposed and discussed in Congress Washington, D.C.
Participants Members of the U.S. Congress, 133 delegates from Northern
especially a Senate committee and Upper South states; Deep
South states did not attend
Nature A formal proposal for a An unofficial interstate
constitutional amendment convention offering
 compromise recommendations
Main Extend the Missouri Compromise
Provisions line to the Pacific; protect slavery
where it existed; limit federal
interference with slavery
Stance on Strongly pro-slavery: aimed to
Slavery constitutionally secure slavery's
expansion and existence
Involvement Some involvement at first, but No participation from the
of Seceded Southern delegates withdrew or seven seceded Deep South
States abstained states
Republican Rejected outright: viewed as Also rejected: seen as
Reaction surrendering to the Slave Power repeating failed ideas with no
real change
Outcome Never passed by Congress; officially Proposals ignored by Congress;
failed had no legislative impact
Historical The final major constitutional effort The last nationwide peace
Significance within Congress to resolve sectional attempt before the Civil War;
crisis symbolized the collapse of
compromise

What Was the Relationship Between Them?

 The Virginia Peace Convention was essentially a repackaged version of the

Crittenden Compromise.
 Both sought to appease the South by constitutionally guaranteeing
slavery’s protection in existing and future territories.
 Virginia hoped a neutral, cross-state gathering might succeed where
Congress had failed, but the absence of the Deep South and Republican
resistance ensured failure.

SOURCE I

From a letter sent by Lincoln to Seward, 1 February 1861

I say now ... as I have all the while said, that on the territorial question – that is the
question of extending slavery under the national auspices – I am inflexible. I am for no
compromise which assists or permits the extension of the institution on soil owned by
the nation. And any trick by which the nation is to acquire territory, and then allow
some local authority to spread slavery over it, is as obnoxious as any other ... As to
fugitive slaves, District of Columbia, slave trade among the slave states and whatever
springs of necessity from the fact that the institution is amongst us, I care but little, save
that what is done be comely and not altogether outrageous. Nor do I care much about

New Mexico, if further extension were hedged against.

SOURCE J

The end of Lincoln’s inauguration speech

In your hands, my dis-satisfied fellow countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous
issue of civil war. The government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without
being yourselves the aggressors. You have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the
government, while I shall have the most solemn one to ‘preserve, protect, and defend’ it
… We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have

strained, it must not break, our bonds of affection.

I. Shift from Slavery to Secession

Key Point Explanation
Previous Conflict Slavery expansion was the central issue in U.S. politics during
Focus the 1840s–1850s.
New Conflict After Lincoln's election, Southern states began seceding; focus
Focus (Post- shifted to the legality of secession.
1860)
Northern Some moderates favored "let them go in peace," but most
Reactions rejected breaking the Union.
Key Quote "If the minority have the right to break up the Government at
pleasure... there is an end of all government."

II. Lincoln’s Silence and Principles (Before Inauguration)

Key Point Explanation
Lincoln’s He deliberately avoided public comment to prevent provocation
Silence before March 1861.
Core Refused to compromise on the issue of slavery's expansion into new
Position territories.
Key Source I "I am inflexible… I am for no compromise which assists or permits
Quote the extension of the institution [of slavery]…"
Misjudgmen Lincoln underestimated Southern commitment to secession,
t believing it was led by planter elites.
III. Lincoln’s Inaugural Speech – Conciliatory but Firm
Key Point Explanation
Non- Promised not to interfere with slavery in states where it already
intervention existed.
No Would not send troops to reclaim federal property or enforce
Immediate authority.
Force
Union is Declared secession illegal; the Union must be preserved.
Perpetual
Appeal to "We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies." – a
Unity famous line from Source J.

IV. Reactions to Lincoln’s Stance

Group Reaction
Republican Supported Lincoln's firm and principled position.
Party
Upper South Welcomed his non-aggressive tone, hoping to avoid war.
Moderates
Confederate Rejected Lincoln’s legitimacy; his speech had no influence on
States them.
Overall Impact Despite a balanced and careful tone, the speech did not prevent
the coming war.

V. Why Compromise Failed

Key Point Explanation
Source I Lincoln would not compromise on slavery expansion in national
Insight territories.
Conditional Open to concessions on fugitive slaves and slavery in D.C., if
Flexibility handled modestly.
Source J Framed the conflict as a Southern choice; government would not
Insight attack first.
Leadership Combined constitutional principle with emotional appeal – a
Framing hallmark of Lincoln’s leadership.
Fort Sumter and its impact
I. Background – Fort Sumter as a Flashpoint
Key Item Explanation
Fort Safe; located off Pensacola, Florida, out of range of Confederate
Pickens shore guns
Fort Symbol of sovereignty; fewer than 100 Union troops; central in
Sumter Charleston harbor
Symboli South saw it as foreign presence; North saw it as a federal test of
sm legitimacy

II. Lincoln’s Dilemma – March 1861

Key Item Explanation
c Lincoln believed time and restraint would help preserve the Union
Reality Sumter would run out of food in 6 weeks; Winfield Scott advised
evacuation
Cabinet Most favored withdrawal; observers sent to Charleston to assess
Response public opinion

Strategic Calculations – Lincoln vs. Davis

Lincoln Davis
Informed the South Carolina Assumed Lincoln would not initiate war,
governor: the mission was to so decided to strike first.
resupply, not attack.
Sent ships with supplies instead of Ordered General Beauregard to seize the
reinforcements: aimed to avoid a fort before federal reinforcements could
full-scale war. arrive.
Tried to gain moral high ground Tested Northern resolve by attacking;
through a stance of "holding and hoped the crisis would rally Southern
supplying" only. unity.

III. Lincoln’s Decision – Supply, Not Attack

Key Item Explanation
April 4 Lincoln ordered a relief expedition to Fort Sumter
April 6 Lincoln informed SC governor the mission was to resupply, not
attack
Strategic Shift the burden of war-starting to the Confederacy; keep northern
Goal support intact

IV. Davis’s Reaction – Order to Attack

Key Item Explanation
Confederate Concluded Sumter must be seized before resupply; a crisis might
Cabinet unite the South
April 11 Gen. Beauregard demanded surrender; Maj. Anderson refused
April 12 Confederates opened fire at 4:30 AM; battle lasted 33 hours

V. Consequences – War Begins

Key Item Explanation
Union Reaction Massive rallies, even in previously pro-Southern cities like New
York
April 15 Lincoln called for 75,000 troops; Davis called for 100,000
Upper South VA, AR, NC, TN joined Confederacy; KY, MO, MD, DE stayed in the
Secedes Union

VI. Summary Analysis

Key Item Explanation
Fort Trigger of the Civil War; symbolic importance outweighed
Sumter’s strategic value
Role
Lincoln’s Carefully avoided aggression; forced South to appear as the
Strategy aggressor
Result War became inevitable; Upper South polarized and joined the
Confederacy