Introduction

The formation of the Confederacy during the 19th century, specifically in response to Abraham Lincoln's election, raises several complex historical questions. Despite the fact that multiple slave states were already part of the Union, these states still felt a necessity to secede. This article explores the core issues that led to the formation of the Confederacy, emphasizing states' rights over federal authority.

The Immediate Context: The Election of 1860

The election of President Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was the immediate catalyst for the formation of the Confederacy. Seven Southern states seceded in rapid succession, following the loss of what was perceived as their candidate, John C. Breckinridge, from the Democratic Party. These states were primarily concerned with the future of slavery and states' rights.

Four More States Followed

Four additional Southern states joined the Confederacy relatively swiftly. North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Arkansas felt compelled to align with the newly formed Confederacy, leaving behind the Union. This decision was driven by the belief that the central government was not acting in their best interests, especially regarding the issue of slavery.

Four States Stood Resolute

Four Southern states, notably Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri, declined to join the Confederacy. These states were either too weak in terms of slave ownership or had strong economic ties to the Union, preventing them from fully supporting the breakaway entity.

Key Reasons for Secession

The primary issues leading to secession were not solely about slavery but revolved around the concept of federalism versus states' rights. The Southern states believed that the central government, particularly the one under Lincoln, was overreaching its constitutional authority by interfering with state affairs, including the institution of slavery. This belief was encapsulated in various declarations and addresses, such as the Declarations of Secession and the President Davis Farewell to Congress.

The Alleged Secession Crisis

In March 1861, the South had the opportunity to prevent secession by ending the crisis through what is known as the Corwin Amendment. The amendment, if ratified, would have constitutionally guaranteed the perpetuity of slavery in the Southern states. However, the amendment was not pursued further, as the South believed secession was not solely about retaining slavery but about maintaining their right to govern themselves without federal interference.

The Crittenden-Johnson Proviso

A related document, the Crittenden-Johnson Proviso, further clarifies the stance that the Civil War was not fought to end slavery. This shows that the primary issue was not the abolition of slavery but the preservation of the Union and the states' rights framework.

Lincoln's Plans and Actions

Despite the prevailing assumption, President Lincoln initially did not plan to end slavery. His goal was to preserve the Union, and he even proposed the Corwin Amendment. However, his famous Emancipation Proclamation, although a significant step, was largely seen as a strategic move to disrupt the Confederate cotton economy rather than a sincere commitment to abolition.

Conclusion

The formation of the Confederacy was a result of deeply held beliefs about states' rights and federalism. The issue of slavery was a significant driving force but not the sole reason for secession. The concept of a Confederacy, where states could govern themselves without federal interference, was as critical as the institution of slavery itself. The conflict was fundamentally about the balance of power between the states and the central government.