Southern Secession Debate

The Secession Debate

Introduction:

It’s December 1860, and you are a representative in the South Carolina secession convention. Now that Abraham Lincoln has been elected to the presidency, you must decide if the state of South Carolina should secede from the tyrannical Federal government that aims to take away your state rights and possibly destroy your economy and social hierarchy, or remain true to the Union and work for compromise with the newly elected president.

Process:

1. Choose the historical perspective of those who favor secession from the

Union (“Secessionists”), or those who oppose secession (“Southern

Unionists”).

2. Begin reading the sources listed below.

3. Answer the summary questions listed on the worksheet (Linked below).

In your answers you must use SPECIFIC evidence.

4. Prepare a speech (to be read before the convention) that states your

opinions about secession and justifies your arguments with evidence.

Your speech needs to BE PASSIONATE!

Web Materials:

• Civil War Balance of Force.pdf