1. 8-4.4-- Evaluate the arguments of unionists,
cooperationists, and secessionists on the issues
of state’s rights & slavery and the ways that these
arguments contributed to S.C. secession
2. Unionists
Unionist favored
remaining apart of the
Union
They felt the
Constitutions was
well- equipped to
protect SC’s way of life
They often times had
to meet in secrete for
fear of persecution
Madison County, NC
3. SUFFERINGS OF SOUTHERN UNIONISTS
Published: February 3, 1862- NY Times
The Boston Journal says: "We know of a case of an industrious firm in
Texas, who had a store filled with goods of the value of twenty
thousand dollars, which was all taken from them. In another case, the
head of a family remained at the South, while the mother and daughter
came North. Communication was interrupted, funds failed to reach the
unfortunate females, poverty followed with rapid pace, the mother
sickened and died, while the daughter is now an inmate of an insane
asylum.
In another case, however, the Southerners got the worst of the bargain.
A shrewd Yankee, who had been long in business in a Southern
city, foreseeing the coming storm, proposed to sell out to his partner
his large investments in that region at a handsome discount, as his
health would not permit him to remain in that section. The sale was
effected, and the Yankee departed to his Northern home with a heavy
balance in his pocket. But with the uncertainty of affairs there this
property has depreciated rapidly until it is now not worth half what was
paid for it. The Southern purchasers have since sent a notice to the
Yankee merchant that it would not be healthy for him to show his head
again in that region, and he will not, at least for some time to come."
4. Cooperationists
Favored seceding from the Union
Thought secession the only
answer for SC as long as SC had
cooperation & support form other
states
Also known for being radicals or
“fire-eaters”
Events from the 1850’s & the
election of Lincoln convinced
most South Carolinas to support
the position of the “fire-eaters”
5. SC Secedes
When I was clear Lincoln would be elected, SC called a
convention to discuss seceding
Small pox rumor moved the meeting from First Baptist
Church in Columbia to Charleston
1860, SC votes unanimously an Ordinance of Session
from the Union
Southerners assumed that b/c Lincoln was a
Republican, he would outlaw slavery which would in
turn end southern wealth, political influence, & way of
life
Without waiting for Lincoln’s inauguration, SC & 6
other states seceded
Fort Sumter Video (14:44)