Read the passage and answer the question that follows:
John Brown, supported by abolitionists and Republicans, tried to start a slave revolt. Therefore be it resolved that the defense of slavery is a common cause to all Southern states. At the call of any Southern state, we are authorized to send troops and money to defend it.—North Carolina resolution in response to the raid on Harper's Ferry, 1859
What prediction could be made based on this passage?
The election of a Republican president will be seen by Southern states as an attack on slavery.
The election of a Republican president will be seen by Southern states as a compromise on slavery.
The increased sectionalism of the South and North will decrease pressure on Southern states to secede.
The increased sectionalism of the South and North will increase the potential for slave revolts.
Based on this passage, a prediction that could be made is: "The election of a Republican president will be seen by Southern states as an attack on slavery."
To arrive at this prediction, we can analyze the passage. It states that John Brown, who was supported by abolitionists and Republicans, attempted to start a slave revolt. In response to this event, the resolution from North Carolina claims that the defense of slavery is a common cause to all Southern states, suggesting a strong unity among them. It also authorizes the sending of troops and money to defend any Southern state in case of an attack. Considering this sentiment and the support for Brown's actions within the Republican party, it can be predicted that the election of a Republican president, who may potentially challenge or undermine the institution of slavery, would be seen by Southern states as an attack on their way of life and their defense of slavery. Thus, the correct prediction is: "The election of a Republican president will be seen by Southern states as an attack on slavery."