Election of 1860

Election of 1860

Objectives

We will explain reasons for the involvement of Texas in the Civil War such as states' rights, slavery, sectionalism, and tariffs.

I will read, discuss, and complete my lesson on the Election of 1860.

EQ- Why did the selection of President Abraham Lincoln create more tensions between the North and South?

A Nation Divided

Many issues divided the country. Northern and Southern states disagreed over many issues. One of the biggest issues was slavery.

The Southern Economy

• based on plantation agriculture

• Slavery was an important part of the Southern economy

• Southerners believed that an end to slavery would mean an end to the Southern way of life

Tariffs

Other political issues bothered Southerners. The South had to pay high taxes that mostly benefited the North.

Open Ended

Imagine you are 30 years old and you pay high taxes in your town. The roads in your town are not maintained and they are full of potholes. The school that your child attends looks old and has not been updated. The city that is a 200 miles away has great roads and schools. How would this make you feel? In your opinion is this fair?

Sectionalism

In both the North and South people focused on what would benefit their region. Focusing only on what is good for your section is known as sectionalism.

Open Ended

In your own words, tell me what sectionalism is?

Abraham Lincoln becomes President

In November 1860, Abraham Lincoln won the election and became President. Many Southerners believed that their way of life was in danger. Rather than wait to see what President Lincoln would do, they acted.

Multiple Choice

How are the North and the South different?

• The North has many factories

• The South economy is based on cotton

• The North had big cities and the South had small towns

• All are correct

Multiple Choice

Why were Southerners upset that Lincoln won the Presidency?

• Southerners believed their way of life was in danger.

• Lincoln was against slavery

• both

Multiple Choice

What does secede mean?

• to stay

• to leave

A Difficult Decision

Many Texans supported secession, but some disagreed. Sam Houston, was Governor of Texas at the time and he thought it was unwise for Texas to secede the Union.

Poll

In your opinion, was Sam Houston correct in thinking it would be foolish to secede from the U.S.?

• Yes

• No

Lesson Complete

Go back into the Google Classroom and mark lesson as done.