Which of the following issues MOST immediately initiated the secession of Southern states?
A.
the longstanding refusal of the North to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act
B.
the passing of the Compromise of 1850
C.
the election of Abraham Lincoln as president
D.
the sending of supplies to Fort Sumter by the federal government
Well, I suppose if it was about timing the election of Lincoln was the last straw.
The correct answer is C. the election of Abraham Lincoln as president.
The correct answer is C. The election of Abraham Lincoln as president. Here's how you can arrive at this answer:
To determine which issue most immediately initiated the secession of Southern states, it's important to analyze the timeline of events leading up to the secession.
A good starting point is the Compromise of 1850 (option B). This compromise attempted to address the growing tensions between the Northern and Southern states regarding slavery. While it temporarily calmed the tensions, it did not immediately trigger the secession.
Next, we can consider the issue of enforcing the Fugitive Slave Act (option A). This act, which required the return of escaped slaves to their owners, was a source of contention between the Northern and Southern states. While it contributed to the widening divide between the regions, it also did not immediately lead to secession.
Moving on, we have the option of the federal government sending supplies to Fort Sumter (option D). This event took place after the secession had already begun, so it cannot be considered the immediate cause.
Lastly, we have the election of Abraham Lincoln as president (option C). Lincoln, who was against the expansion of slavery, won the 1860 presidential election. His victory was viewed by the Southern states as an affront to their way of life and their perceived interests. Subsequently, the secession of Southern states began in response to his election, making it the most immediate cause out of the given options.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. the election of Abraham Lincoln as president.