Discussion post

respond at least twice for every Discussion topic: respond to ONE of the two topics posted by the instructor by Wednesday; and to at least one other student's response by Sunday. 

Answers must be meaningful and relevant; please do not respond by simply saying "I agree" or "I disagree" without explanation.

Covering Chapter 12 and "House Divided" reading online:

1) Analyze the major developments [hint: four] between 1848 and 1861 that contributed to the Civil War. Can one argue that one was the most significant? Explain.

2) Summarize the main points of Lincoln’s House Divided Speech. Why would someone from the South who followed the ideological discussions around the question of slavery have reason to be concerned about Lincoln’s opinions as stated in this address? Would this speech satisfy an ardent abolitionist? Why or why not? How do the ideas of this speech reflect the times in which it was given? What other main events in the march towards Civil War have influenced Lincoln’s thinking on slavery and the part it plays in the union at this point in the disintegration of the Union? From what he says in this speech what are Lincoln’s thought on the founders of the United States or rather those who wrote the Constitution at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia? Address at least two of these issues in your initial posting.