Question

Which of the following best compares Northern and Southern views of the abolition movement prior to 1861?
A. Both the Southern and Northern populations overwhelmingly supported abolishing slavery.
B. Most of the Southern population was against abolishing slavery, while most Northerners had mixed feelings about abolishing slavery.
C. Most of the Northern population supported abolishing slavery, whereas the Southern population was against abolishing slavery.
D. Both the Southern and Northern populations were abolitionists who supported slavery.

Answer 1

B

Most people in the South defended slavery and opposed abolition. Northerners were divided: a minority were outspoken abolitionists, but many others had mixed or moderate views (opposing slavery’s spread or wanting gradual/compensated emancipation rather than immediate abolition).