HANDOUT ONE
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The purpose of this handout is to better understand some of the belief systems that were behind the Unionists and James Newcomb. As you proceed, consider: Why did these beliefs change? Why do you think they changed (what motivated a change)?
Before you proceed, consider what you already know about this period that leads to the secession of the Southern states and the outbreak of the Civil War. Using the attached List sheet, write out as many of these as you can quickly think of.
1. What political party did Newcomb originally
belong to in his early days in
2. What was the main belief about the nation that the members of this party advocated?
3. Did Newcomb and those like him support Lincoln or the Republicans?
4. What do you think their attitude was toward slavery?
5. Let us assume that Newcomb intended to remain
in
6. Consider what happened to Newcomb and where he went during the Civil War. How would you feel if this had happened to you?
7. Do his beliefs appear the same in all the editorials you find in this period?