Drawing the Line

As America tries to work out a solution to the slavery issue, North and South are in completely separate worlds. But the 'border states,' which lie between the North and South, are in a separate category.

The border states permit slavery, but do not depend heavily upon it. For this reason, the people in these states are somewhat torn between the positions of North and South. No one knows where their loyalty really lies.

If the border states join with the Deep South, then the pro-slavery voice becomes very loud. If they hold back, then the strength of the slave states is diminished in Congress. The border states have thus become critical.
Border states, 1850 map

  Hanging in the Balance
The border states (in YELLOW) are the northern-most row of states where slavery is permitted. If a conflict were to arise between North and South, it's anyone's guess how these states will react. In a hot war, things like railroads and iron production will become important. Beyond that, the manpower available to raise troops could also tip the balance.

Plantation slavery, 1850 map

  Plantations are Different
The real dividing line in the coming conflict is the kind of labor used on farms. In the South, plantations rely on large-scale production of a single crop, which requires heavy investment in the means of production. Slaves. This is America's first taste of 'agribusiness.' The WHITE highlighting on the map reflects the reliance upon plantation-style farming. States with the greatest number of plantations (relative to population) are shown in brighter white. Note that the border states are mostly dark.


Election of 1860

  Cliff-hanger
As the 1860 election season arrives, everyone is on edge. Pro-slavery candidates have won the previous two elections handily (left and center), but positions are now so divided that southern states can't agree on a candidate. In the end, they nominate three. The only anti-slavery candidate, Abraham Lincoln, is a distinct underdog. Even if he were somehow to win, however, the South could still play its final card by simply withdrawing from the Union, declaring itself independent. This is called 'secession.'