Secession vs. Union Get into groups of four, with two readers of each document (each pair should have two readers of Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address & two readers of South Carolina’s Secession Declaration) Use two sheets of newsprint, divide each in half. Lincoln’s First Inaugural (pg 1) List Lincoln’s arguments for keeping the union S.C.’s Secession Declaration (pg 2) List S.C.’s arguments for seceding Put S.C.’s points for seceding alongside any that might refute Lincoln’s points. (Some can be blank.) Put Lincoln’s points for Union alongside any that might refute S.C.’s points. (Some can be blank.)

Lincoln’s First Inaugural – for the Union No state can lawfully secede – it is the “essence of anarchy” No provision for ending the Constitution – it is perpetual Geography & economics would bind the states together regardless Problems (fugitive slaves & slave trade) would intensify after secession Declaration of Independence & U.S. History provide valid precedents for secession Northern states broke the compact of the Constitution (Article 4 has requirements for returning fugitive slaves) & slavery was accepted as a compromise in the Constitution. Thus freeing the Southern states Growing national power is a restriction of state’s rights

S.C.’s Declaration of Secession North ended the compact formed by the Constitution when they stopped enforcing the fugitive slave laws vigorously Can leave a gov’t that stops meeting the needs of citizens “No nation can endure half slave & half free” ~ proof of Lincoln’s plans Rights of property (slaves) are being threatened States have the right to rule themselves (10 th Amendment) – antislavery is an encroachment on this Denial of slavery in territories treats slave states as less than free ones ?? Current enforcement is the best there’s going to be. No one is saying slavery will be outlawed. Elections reflect majority popular will, but haven’t ended slavery/property rights.