Many Southern leaders argued that they had voluntarily joined the Union as sovereign states and had the right to leave the Union if they chose.
Understand the Problem
The question describes the argument made by many Southern leaders regarding their right to secede from the Union. It highlights the belief that states voluntarily joined the Union and therefore had the right to leave it.
Answer
Southern leaders believed states had the right to secede because they voluntarily joined the Union.
Many Southern leaders believed that states had voluntarily joined the Union and therefore had the right to secede if they felt their rights were threatened. This argument was based on the idea of states' sovereignty.
Answer for screen readers
Many Southern leaders believed that states had voluntarily joined the Union and therefore had the right to secede if they felt their rights were threatened. This argument was based on the idea of states' sovereignty.
More Information
The concept of states' rights was a key factor leading up to the Civil War. Southern states believed they had the power to decide whether or not to follow federal laws and ultimately whether to remain in the Union.
Tips
It's easy to get caught up in the details, but remember the core argument: voluntary entry implies voluntary exit.
Sources
- Civil War Re-Assessment assignment - dentonisd.org
- The Declaration of Causes of Seceding States - battlefields.org
- Saving the Constitution: Lincoln, Secession, and the Price of Union - repository.law.umich.edu
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