Why did many Southerners oppose Abraham Lincoln in the 1860 presidential election? Select all that apply.

Question

A.
Lincoln planned to lower tariffs on many European goods.

B.
Lincoln wanted to halt the spread of slavery in the country.

C.
They thought his victory would threaten the Southern economy.

D.
They thought electing him would harm US trade with South America.

E.
Lincoln supported going to war with Mexico after Texas was annexed.

Answer 1

Many Southerners opposed Abraham Lincoln in the 1860 presidential election for the following reasons:

B. Lincoln wanted to halt the spread of slavery in the country.

C. They thought his victory would threaten the Southern economy.

These points were significant as the Southern states were heavily dependent on slavery for their agricultural economy, and they feared that Lincoln’s policies would undermine that system and, consequently, their way of life. The other options do not represent the main reasons for Southern opposition to Lincoln in the context of the 1860 election.