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Civil War Documents Analysis: South Carolina Declaration Of Secession

1035 Words5 Pages

Fatima Arellano
History 17 B
Professor Perrone
08 February 2018
Civil War Documents Analysis
South Carolina Declaration of Secession

On December 24th, 1860 the government of South Carolina issued their proclamation of secession from the Federal Union. The document begins with the South Carolina government calling attention to the violation of the Constitution of the United States by failing to oblige with the “wishes of … slaveholding states.” The government continues to make their point by reminiscing over the separation of thirteen colonies from the British Empire deeming the British empire was destructive to the rights of the habitants of the thirteen colonies therefore they have the right to “institute a new government.” The narrative …show more content…

According to the South Carolina government the Federal Union failed to fulfill their wishes by not enforcing the the fourth Article of the Constitution. The catalyst for their decision was the election of Abraham Lincoln because his “purposes are hostile to slavery;” slave holding states would no longer have complete power and would not be equal.

The “Cornerstone” speech

On March 21, 1861, the Confederate vice president, Alexander H. Stephens gave what became known as “Cornerstone” speech in Savannah Georgia. Stephens starts of by capturing the attention of his audience by his passion. His purpose of the speech is to gain new states on the confederate side. Prior to the speech Abraham Lincoln threaten the possibility of war; Stephens uses this to his advantage by letting his audience know that the …show more content…

He starts of by stating he has full power to grant pardon for treason and plans to implement a plan doing so as long as all his conditions are met. He promises “restoration of … property” (except for slaves) and pardon as long as an oath is completed; the oath however was not open to major confederate players. In this oath Confederates had to swear that they would abide by the Constitution and acts of Congress in relation to slavery. Ten percent of qualified voters in the state must complete and comply with this oath in order to be reinstated into the Federal Union. He also claimed upon reinstatement into the Union, states could develop their own constitutions and government as long as the respected

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