Question

question 5 of 20

southern leaders strongly opposed abraham lincoln in the 1860 presidential election because:

a. he had joined john browns attack on harpers ferry.
b. he opposed the spread of slavery to new territories.
c. he supported policies that would help plantation owners.
d. he believed that the south should leave the union.

Explanation:

Analyze the candidate's platform

Abraham Lincoln ran as the Republican candidate in the 1860 presidential election. The central platform of the Republican Party at this time was to prevent the expansion of slavery into new western territories, while promising not to interfere with it where it already existed.

Evaluate Southern opposition

Southern political leaders, whose economy and social structure relied heavily on the institution of slavery, viewed any restriction on its expansion as a direct threat to their political power and long-term survival. They believed that limiting slavery's spread would eventually lead to its complete abolition.

Assess the multiple-choice options

• A is incorrect because Lincoln did not participate in or support John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry; in fact, he and other Republican leaders condemned it.
• B is correct because Lincoln's primary policy stance was opposing the extension of slavery into new territories.
• C is incorrect because his policies favored free labor, homesteaders, and northern industrial interests rather than southern plantation owners.
• D is incorrect because Lincoln strongly opposed secession and fought to preserve the Union.

Answer:

• (A) he had joined John Brown's attack on Harpers Ferry.
• (B) he opposed the spread of slavery to new territories. (Correct answer)
• (C) he supported policies that would help plantation owners.
• (D) he believed that the South should leave the Union.