In 1860 southern states seceded because they thought Lincoln would: Stop the Spread of Slavery Start a Civil War Abolish Slavery

In 1860, many Southern states were convinced that a Lincoln presidency would lead to the curtailment of slavery, particularly its expansion into the new territories and states, which they believed was essential for their agrarian economies. This fear was magnified by Lincoln’s rhetoric in his speeches, where he expressed opposition to the spread of slavery, leading to an intense feeling of vulnerability among Southern slaveholders. Additionally, the election of Lincoln was a tipping point, highlighting the polarized views of the North and South regarding slavery. The Southern states perceived his victory as a direct threat to their way of life, ultimately sparking the decision to secede and setting the stage for the tumultuous Civil War that followed. Their actions were driven by a mix of ideology, fear of political marginalization, and a desire to maintain their socio-economic system based on slavery.