The Bad Roman Revisionist History - The US Constitution & Secession with Mike Gaddy
Feb 11, 2021
Mike Gaddy, a historian with over 30 years of research focused on American history, dives deep into the complex issues surrounding secession. He challenges the common associations with secession, particularly regarding slavery, revealing a plethora of historical precedents often overlooked. Gaddy discusses the fraught relationship between state and federal power, emphasizing the moral nuances of historical events. Tune in for insights on the financial disparities between the North and South leading up to the Civil War and the ongoing relevance of these discussions today.
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Secession's Constitutional Basis
- Secession is implied in the U.S. Constitution through the ratification agreements of New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
- These states reserved the right to leave if the federal government overstepped, making secession constitutional for all states.
Lincoln and 1860 Election Facts
- Abraham Lincoln was not even on the ballot in 10 Southern states in 1860, fueling their resentment.
- Lincoln acknowledged he would not interfere with slavery in states where it existed, affirming the South's constitutional stance.
States Precede Federal Government
- The idea that the central government existed before the states is false; states existed first as evidenced by the Treaty of Paris.
- This misconception supports Lincoln's argument but is debunked by foundational documents.
