What is the connection among sectionalism, slavery, and states’ rights as causes of the Civil War? How did the Southern response to the 1860 election results demonstrate this connection? put it in easy words
Sectionalism, slavery, and states' rights were interconnected causes of the Civil War. Sectionalism refers to the division and loyalty to one's own region rather than the nation as a whole. Slavery was a major issue during this time, as the Southern states relied heavily on enslaved labor for their agrarian economy. States' rights referred to the belief that individual states had the right to make their own decisions, even if those decisions went against federal laws.
The 1860 election, which led to the victory of Abraham Lincoln, infuriated the Southern states. Lincoln opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, which threatened the Southern way of life. In response, several Southern states, beginning with South Carolina, seceded from the Union. They claimed that by choosing Lincoln, who they viewed as anti-slavery, the Northern states were not respecting their states' rights to determine their own laws regarding slavery.
The Southern response to the election results demonstrated the connection between sectionalism, slavery, and states' rights. They believed that their economy and way of life, which relied on slavery, were under threat due to the election of Lincoln. They argued that their states had the right to decide their own laws, including those related to slavery, and felt that the federal government was infringing on their independence. This ultimately led to the secession of eleven Southern states, which marked the beginning of the Civil War.