Secession and the Outbreak of Civil War

History 103
Dec. 4, 1998

Election of 1860

Democrats debate federal slave code at Charleston convention

Southern Democrats walk out

Northern Democrats nominate Douglas

Southern Democrats nominate John C. Breckinridge

Constitutional Union Party nominates John Bell

Republican Party nominates Lincoln

Campaign

Lincoln’s victory

Secession of the Lower South

South Carolina convention votes to secede, Dec. 20, 1860

Mississippi (Jan. 9, 1861)

Florida (Jan. 10, 1861)

Alabama (Jan. 11, 1861)

Georgia (Jan. 19, 1861)

Louisiana (Jan. 26, 1861)

Texas (Feb. 1, 1861)

"In the momentous step which our State has taken of dissolving its connection with the government of which we so long formed a part, it is but just that we should declare the prominent reasons which have induced our course.

"Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery-- the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization. That blow has been long aimed at the institution, and was at the point of reaching its consummation. There was no choice left us but submission to the mandates of abolition, or a dissolution of the Union, whose principles had been subverted to work out our ruin.

"That we do not overstate the dangers to our institution, a reference to a few facts will sufficiently prove. …" --Mississippi Declaration of Secession

Confederate States of America founded (Feb. 4, 1861)

Buchanan’s response to secession

Crittenden Compromise fails

Republicans offer limited concession: constitutional amendment barring federal interference with slavery in states where it already exists

Lincoln Takes Charge

Lincoln’s inauguration (Mar. 4, 1861)

"Plainly, the central idea of secession, is the essence of anarchy. A majority, held in restraint by constitutional checks, and limitations, and always changing easily, with deliberate changes of popular opinions and sentiments, is the only true sovereign of a free people. Whoever rejects it, does, of necessity, fly to anarchy or to despotism."--Abraham Lincoln, First Inaugural Address

Decision to supply Fort Sumter
Firing on Fort Sumter (April 12, 1861)

Upper South secedes

Virginia (April 17, 1861)

Arkansas (May 6, 1861)

North Carolina (May 20, 1861)

Tennessee (June 8, 1861)

The Making of a Long War

War fever and initial expectations

Northern advantages

Larger population
Greater industrial capacity
Superior transportation network

Southern advantages

Fighting on home ground
King Cotton
Superior military tradition

Transformation of Northern War Aims

Original northern goals

Influence of abolitionists and "contrabands"

Congressional actions against slavery

(to be continued)