During the pre-Civil War period the government was not the only source of the unwinding separation of the Union but society has contributed as well. Society became a big contributor in what happened during this time period. Many people formed groups based upon what their beliefs entailed whether they were abolitionists or people who were pro slavery these groups fought for what they believed in and that often changed different events from happening. One prime example was Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher. The following text changed the attitude into the Northern States. The following piece of literature described the reality of slavery that most people did not understand at the time. When the northerners were able to get their hands on the following text it inspired them to be more radical abolitionists. On the other hand the following piece of literature inspired anger in the South because they believed Beecher described an inaccurate portrayal of slavery. In Theodor Kaufmann picture he depicts african american slaves being chased by bounty hunters which shows how the Fugitive Slave Law afFected African American slaves (Document F). Another key aspect of society 's role for the causation of the Civil War was taking advantage of Popular Sovereignty. …show more content…
One of the main political campaigns that were important during this time period was the Election of 1860. The four candidates nominated in 1860 were Stephen Douglas, John Breckinridge, John Bell. and Abraham Lincoln. It is important to note in Stephen Douglas’ speech he accuses Lincoln of him being pro war (Document M). This quote is important because Douglas was making his side look better by accusing Lincoln of something that was not true. In the 1860 Presidential Election Lincoln did not appear on the ballot in ten southern states, he only received forty percent of the popular vote. In the election there was no support for the secession and the south still ruled the Supreme Court snf Republicans did not control the House of Representatives or the Senate. After the election was over and Lincoln was elected the new president the Confederate States of America were formed in February, 1861. Jefferson Davis was selected President of the south and believed that slavery must survive. It is important to note in Abraham Lincoln’s Cooper Union Address he talks about John Brown not being a republican because of the crimes that he committed (Document N). This following excerpt is important because Lincoln was able to express his belief about John Brown. Even though