The United States of America is undoubtedly one of the most unique countries to come into existence. From the beginning, it was created as a refuge for the individual in need of freedom. People from Europe with different backgrounds came over, in hopes of a better future. Slowly, the people formed a loose sort of government. As a result, many of the differences between the different groups of people were ironed out. While ironing these differences, one issue was always left alone due to its volatility. The difference that remained was the issue of slavery between the Northern and Southern regions of the United States. Due to the industrial boom of the North, the difference between the North and South continued to grow, until time ran out. The …show more content…
In his speech Alexander H. Stephens, the confederate leader quoted Jefferson, “rock upon which the old Union would split” (33). The rock Jefferson was speaking about here was the issue of slavery and his assumption was correct. Stephen believed that the United States constitution, was built upon incorrect foundations and in his new form of government, “that the negro is not equal to the white men; that slavery-subordination to the superior race-is his natural and normal condition” (34). Stephens further attacks anti-slavery fanatics by saying, “They assume that the Negro is equal, and hence conclude that he is entitled to equal privileges and rights with the white men. If their premises were correct, their conclusions would be logical-but their premise being wrong, their whole argument fails” (35). Stephen believed in his theory so much that he compared it to scientific discoveries, “As I have stated, the truth of this principle may be slow in development, as all truths are and ever have been, in the various branches of science. It was so with the principles announced by Galileo” (35). From all the statements made by Stephen, one can conclude that it was in the South’s mentality and culture to view slavery as a positive institute. On the other hand, the North was completely different, and it was evident from the president they elected. The president that the North had elected was Lincoln, and “the party of Lincoln, called the Republican Party, under its present name and organization, is of recent origin. It is admitted to be an anti-slavery party…Anti–slavery is its mission and its purpose” (9). From the purpose of Lincoln’s party and the statement made about the North assuming the “negro to be equal”, one can conclude that the mentality and culture of the North was exactly opposite that of the South.