Instruction
Question 1
Examine the Southern arguments for secession as well as the reactions to secession by the North (CO#1, CO#3)
As you have read in McPherson and the primary sources on secession, in 1860-1861 Southern states began to secede from the Union, viewing Lincoln’s election as the “last straw.” In this discussion, you will consider the reasons articulated for secession by the newly Confederate states as well as the reactions to secession from the remaining Union government, including the newly elected president, Abraham Lincoln.
Using the primary and secondary source reading as evidence, consider the following in a post of at least 250 words:
What arguments did Southern states make to justify seceding from the Union?
How did the federal government react to secession? Were these reactions justifiable? Why or why not?
QUESTION 2
Articulate the advantages and disadvantages of the North and South at the outset of the Civil War (CO#2, CO#3)
With the advent of the war, both sides had to consider their military and economic strengths and weaknesses. While the North did have some overwhelming advantages, the South also had benefits it could rely on. However, the question remained: were these advantages enough to see the Confederacy through to a successful ending of the war?
Using the reading as evidence, consider the following in a post of at least 250 words:
What were the military and economic advantages and disadvantages of each side going into the war?
Considering the advantages and disadvantages of each side, what was the South’s best chance for success and why?