LAD # 13

Summarize John Calhoun's speech:

In John C. Calhoun’s speech, addressing congress, he talks about slavery and how it has impacted America. He initiates his speech in describing his opinions regarding slavery, and that he always thought that the issue of slavery would eventually hurt the union. He also proclaims that he wants to preserve the union. After this, he declares that the cause behind this disunity is occurring because of the differing views of the Southern States regarding slavery. Next, he describes each one's views that increase sectional tensions which in turn take away from the union. The largest difference is the North more so is against slavery and the South is more pro-slavery. Different tariffs and acts passed benefited different areas of the country, which added to tension by increasing jealousy and hatred between regions. It was evident that each side sternly believed that they were in the right and the other side was in the wrong. Because the more states that support a side, a majority forms regarding that opinion in the country. This means the South was becoming less influential because there were more states being added to the North, resulting a majority of people being anti-slavery. Calhoun stated that the only way to preserve unity is if the North appeases the South's beliefs and wishes, and tries to make the two sectors (North and South) more balanced under the law. With more equal sections, the South, in turn, would be less likely to secede, and thus preserving the union.

This is a picture of the Confederate flag, which represents a secessionist group of states after the Civil War ended.