Option A: Nineteenth century topic HOW FAR WAS LINCOLN RESPONSIBLE FOR CAUSING THE SPLIT BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH IN 1860–61? Study the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions. Background Information Between December 1860 and June 1861 eleven states, starting with South Carolina, seceded from the USA. These secessions were an important factor in bringing about the Civil War which began in April 1861 shortly after Lincoln had begun his time as President. Some historians argue that it was Lincoln himself who was responsible for the decision of some Southern states to secede – he was hated and feared by many people in the South. However, relations between North and South had worsened long before Lincoln became President, especially over the issue of slavery. How far did Lincoln cause the split with the South? SOURCE A [Figure 2.1] A cartoon published during the 1860 presidential election campaign. The candidates are (left to right) Lincoln, Douglas, Breckinridge and Bell. Bell is applying glue from a very small pot. SOURCE B [Figure 3.1] THE DIS-UNITED STATES-A BLACK BUSINESS. A cartoon published in a British magazine, November 1856. SOURCE C What will be the consequences of acceptance by the Southern States of the rule of Abolitionism at Washington, in the person of Lincoln? The first consequence must be a powerful consolidation of the strength of the Abolition party of the North. If after all the threats of resistance and disunion, the Southern States submit, the demoralisation of the South will be complete. Immediate danger will be brought to slavery in all Frontier States and the underground railroad will become an overground railroad. Before Lincoln can be installed in Washington the Southern States can dissolve peaceably their union with the North. If we do not dissolve our union with the North, we make the triumph of our Abolition enemies complete. If the South accepts the rule of Abolitionists, there is an end of all peaceful separation of the Union. We can then only escape by war. The ruin of the South will be the loss of liberty, property, home, country – everything that makes life worth having. From the 'Charleston Mercury' newspaper, 16 October 1860. Charleston is in South Carolina. SOURCE D I am of the opinion that it would be unwise for the Southern states to secede, if Lincoln were to be elected. I believe that in the Union we would still be able to resist aggressions against the equal rights of the people of the Southern states. We would still have a majority in the US Senate opposed to the abolitionists. Without the consent of that body no law could be passed. We have also the US Supreme Court, whose opinions are favourable to the equality, both of persons and of property. We also have a majority of the United States opposed to the faction of which Lincoln is the head. From a published letter by a Breckinridge supporter, Kentucky, October 1860. SOURCE E Do not consider any compromise in regard to the extension of slavery. The instant you do, they have us beaten; all our labour is lost, and sooner or later will have to be done all over again. Douglas is sure to be again trying to bring in his 'Popular Sovereignty'. Have none of it. The conflict has to come and better now than later. You know I think the fugitive slave clause of the constitution ought to be enforced – or at least it ought not to be resisted. A letter from Lincoln to William Kellogg, 11 December 1860. Kellogg, a Republican congressman, had proposed a compromise including an extension to the Missouri Compromise line. SOURCE F The people of Georgia have dissolved their political connection with the Government of the United States of America. For the last ten years we have had numerous causes of complaint against non-slave-holding States. They have endeavoured to weaken our security, to disturb our domestic peace and tranquillity. The Federal Government has tried to deprive us of an equal enjoyment of the common Territories of the Republic. This hostile policy has placed the two sections of the Union for many years in the condition of virtual civil war. Recent events have fully demonstrated the necessity of separation. Northern States have by a large majority committed the Government of the United States into the hands of the party of Lincoln, called the Republican party, which under its present name and organisation, is openly an anti-slavery party. While it supports waste and corruption in the administration of Government, anti-slavery is its mission and its purpose. From Georgia's declaration of secession, 29 January 1861. 1 Study Source A. What impressions does this cartoon give of the presidential candidates? Explain your answer using details of the source.