Practice Quiz

AP US History Exam Prep

Category - AP US History

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After the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, why did the Southern states secede from the Union?
  1. To preserve the institution of slavery
  2. The Northern states attacked the Southern states.
  3. Lincoln enforced extremely high taxes upon the Southern states.
  4. They wanted to pledge allegiance back to British rule.
Explanation
Answer - A - The Southern states seceded from the Union after the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 in order to preserve the institution of slavery.

Key Takeaway: After Abraham Lincoln was elected in 1860, they knew they either had to expand West or otherwise they would become a minority in both the Senate and the House or Representatives, which may threaten the institution of slavery in the South. The South knew that the immediately-needed expansion was not a possibility, so secession was necessary to preserve slavery.
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