Why did Lincoln not let the South secede? Abraham Lincoln’s refusal to allow the Southern states to secede was rooted in several fundamental beliefs and strategic considerations:

Preservation of the Union:

Lincoln believed that the Union was perpetual and indivisible. He argued that no state could unilaterally secede from the Union. In his view, the United States was a single nation, and allowing secession would destroy the country that the Founding Fathers had created and fought for.

Constitutional Duty:

Lincoln saw it as his constitutional duty as President to preserve, protect, and defend the United States. He believed that allowing secession would undermine the Constitution and set a dangerous precedent that states could leave the Union whenever they disagreed with federal policies.

Economic and Strategic Reasons:

The Southern states contained significant economic resources, particularly in terms of agriculture and raw materials like cotton. Losing these states would have had severe economic consequences for the North and potentially weakened the country on the global stage. Additionally, the Mississippi River and other strategic locations in the South were vital for trade and security.

Moral Opposition to Slavery:

While Lincoln initially emphasized the preservation of the Union over the abolition of slavery, he personally opposed the expansion of slavery and later in the war increasingly saw the conflict as a means to end the institution of slavery. Allowing the South to secede would have meant the continuation and possible expansion of slavery into new territories.

Fear of Anarchy and Precedent:

Lincoln and many others feared that allowing secession would lead to the disintegration of the United States into multiple, smaller, and possibly hostile nations. This fragmentation could lead to anarchy, continual conflict, and the end of democratic governance as envisioned by the founders.

In summary, Lincoln’s decision to oppose secession was driven by a combination of constitutional principles, economic considerations, strategic concerns, and a moral stance against slavery. He believed that maintaining the Union was essential for the survival and prosperity of the United States as a nation.