Question

questions 1 through 3 refer to the following.
\i am filled with deep emotion at finding myself standing here in the place... from which spring the institutions under which we live... i have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the declaration of independence.... it was not the mere matter of the separation of the colonies from the mother land; but something in that declaration giving liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time. it was that which gave promise that in due time the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men

ow, my friends, can this country be saved upon that basis? if it can, i will consider myself one of the happiest men in the world if i can help to save it. if it cant be saved upon that principle, it will be truly awful.

ow, in my view of the present aspect of affairs, there need be no bloodshed and war.... and i may say in advance, there will be no blood shed unless it be forced upon the government....
\my friends, this is a wholly unprepared speech. i did not expect to be called upon to say a word when i came here... i may, therefore, have said something indiscreet, but i have said nothing but what i am willing to live by, and, in the pleasure of almighty god, die by.\
president - elect abraham lincoln, speaking at independence hall in philadelphia, february 22 1861
the excerpt most likely reflects which of the following historical situations?
a abraham lincoln won all of the electoral college votes in the presidential election.
b formerly enslaved people were given the right to vote in presidential elections.
c southern states refused to participate in the presidential election.
d states in the south had begun seceding after the presidential election.

Explanation:

The excerpt is from Abraham Lincoln’s February 1861 speech at Independence Hall. By 1861, Southern states had begun seceding following Lincoln’s 1860 presidential election (he opposed slavery’s expansion). Lincoln’s speech addresses preserving the Union based on the Declaration of Independence, referencing potential conflict if secession is forced—consistent with the secession crisis. Option A is false (Lincoln won no Southern electoral votes). Option B is incorrect (Black suffrage came later with the 15th Amendment). Option C is misleading: Southern states did not refuse to participate but seceded after the election.

Answer:

D. States in the South had begun seceding after the presidential election.