Controversial position on slavery

Definition

The controversial position on slavery refers to the differing and often conflicting views regarding the institution of slavery, especially in the context of American politics leading up to the Civil War. This term highlights the deep divisions between pro-slavery advocates in the South and anti-slavery proponents in the North, which became increasingly polarized during the election of 1860. The debate over slavery was not only a moral issue but also intertwined with economic, social, and political factors that fueled tensions between states, ultimately leading to secession.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The election of 1860 featured four main candidates, each representing different views on slavery, which heightened national tensions.
2. Abraham Lincoln's election as president was perceived as a threat by Southern states, prompting them to begin secession.
3. The Democratic Party split into Northern and Southern factions over the issue of slavery, reflecting the growing divide in the nation.
4. The controversy surrounding slavery was exacerbated by events like John Brown's raid at Harpers Ferry, which inflamed tensions between pro- and anti-slavery factions.
5. Secession began shortly after Lincoln's victory, with South Carolina being the first state to withdraw from the Union in December 1860.

Review Questions

• How did the different perspectives on slavery contribute to the political landscape during the election of 1860?
  • The election of 1860 was marked by starkly contrasting views on slavery, leading to a deeply divided political landscape. Candidates like Abraham Lincoln, representing the Republican Party, opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, while Southern Democrats supported its continuation. This division prompted many Southern states to see Lincoln’s election as a direct threat to their way of life, culminating in their decision to secede from the Union shortly after he took office.
• Discuss how the Dred Scott Decision reflected and intensified the controversy over slavery in America.
  • The Dred Scott Decision in 1857 was a pivotal moment that intensified the controversy over slavery by denying citizenship to African Americans and declaring that Congress had no authority to regulate slavery in the territories. This ruling effectively invalidated the Missouri Compromise and infuriated abolitionists while emboldening pro-slavery advocates. It polarized public opinion even further and contributed to heightened tensions leading up to the Civil War, influencing voter sentiment in the election of 1860.
• Evaluate how differing positions on slavery shaped regional identities and contributed to the eventual secession of Southern states.
  • The differing positions on slavery not only shaped regional identities but also created an 'us vs. them' mentality between North and South. In the South, pro-slavery sentiment was tied to economic interests and social structures, while abolitionist movements gained traction in the North as moral imperatives. This divide solidified when Lincoln's anti-slavery stance prompted Southern states to believe their rights were under threat, leading them to secede from the Union. The resulting conflict underscored how deeply intertwined these positions were with both regional pride and national unity.

Related terms

Abolitionism:

A social and political movement aimed at ending slavery and promoting equal rights for African Americans.

Dred Scott Decision: An 1857 Supreme Court ruling that declared African Americans were not citizens and that Congress could not regulate slavery in the territories.

Republican Party:

A political party founded in the 1850s, primarily on an anti-slavery platform, aiming to stop the expansion of slavery into new territories.