Question

how did lincoln view the legality of southern secession?
a. he remained neutral
b. he considered it unconstitutional
what was the confederate states of america primarily fighting to protect?
a. slavery and states rights
b. trade with europe
what did the southern states claim as justification for secession?
a. states’ rights to govern themselves
b. lincoln’s opposition to the war

Explanation:

First Question: How did Lincoln view the legality of Southern secession?

Lincoln held the view that the Southern secession was unconstitutional. He believed the Union was perpetual and secession violated the U.S. Constitution. So option b is correct.

The Confederacy was mainly fighting to protect slavery (as it was crucial to their agrarian economy) and states' rights (to have more control over local affairs, including slavery). Trade with Europe was a secondary aspect. So option a is correct.

Southern states claimed states' rights to govern themselves (the right to make decisions about issues like slavery within their states) as a justification for secession. Lincoln's opposition to the war was not a secession justification, and he was for preserving the Union. So option a is correct.

Answer:

b. He considered it unconstitutional

Second Question: What was the Confederate States of America primarily fighting to protect?