Why did Maryland not secede from the Union even though it was a slave state?

Answer 1

Simply - Governor Thomas H. Hicks and the people of Maryland.
"Governor Thomas H. Hicks received a communication from prominent cictizens, shortly after the election, in 1860, requesting him to call an extra session of the Legislature, in order to consider the condition of the country, and to determine what course Maryland should take. The members of the Legislature had been elected in the fall of 1859, mainly on State issues, and were not authorized to represent the people on the momentous questions pending in 1861. The Governor promptly refused to make the call. He resisted all blandishments, threats, and importunities. The Governor declined to meet with the commissioner from Mississippi, as well as the commissioner from Alabama.Many public gatherings throughout the state passed resolutions commending his course.
In May, 1861, at the special election for the extra session of Congress, all the Union candidates were elected except one, and he was beaten by a "Union and Peace' candidate. In November, 1861, the Governor and all the other members of the Union State ticket were elected, with a large majority of both branches of the Legislature."
*According to the best extant records, 25,000 Marylanders chose to fought for the Confederacy, while about 60,000 Marylanders served in all branches of the Union military.*

Answer 2

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RE:
Why did Maryland not secede from the Union even though it was a slave state?

Answer 3

Everyone who has spoken is correct. There was a defined secessionist movement in Maryland -- contemporary cartoons show Lincoln being smuggled through Baltimore in disguise, likely a libel. But really, most of Maryland was owned by free farmers, who had no more use for a slave than I have.

The major slave-state controversies were in Missouri and Kentucky. Delaware was never a question, and the Federal Government had to keep Maryland or lose its capital and the war with it.

Answer 4

If a state did not secede from the union, which were the northern states, it stayed in the union even if it was a slave state. The southern states that seceded were known as the Confederate States of America, or CSA. That portion of Virginia you were talking about did just what your book says it did -- seceded from Virginia just as Virginia seceded from the union, forming their own state. Just because a state was a slave state didn't make it a Conferderate state.

Answer 5

It was one of four border states which didn't secede. There were many in these states, who held slaves, but were loyal to the United States and believed the Union was important to preserve. Maryland and other border states paid a heavy price for their stances as their states were the sites of many fierce battles. If you look at the topography of Maryland, you'll see that only a small part of the land is suitable for plantation type cultivation. Maryland and the other border states contributed regiments who fought bravely on the side of the Union.

Answer 6

Maryland Secession

Answer 7

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JC, Union states are northern and southern are confederate when thinking in general terms. However, President Lincoln had large numbers of federal troops in the four states you mentioned. He simply did not allow them to leave the Union with the other southern states. Imagine if Maryland and Deleware had left the Union, the City of Washington would have been deep in confederate territory. Lincoln couldn't allow this to happen. Though technically thought of as confederate, they remained in the Union. and yes, free blacks faught for the union north. hope this helps.

Answer 8

The legislature was essentially disbanded by the army before the vote on secession could take place.

Answer 9

It was going to--the legislature was about to vote--but Lincoln arrested some legislators before the vote could take place.

Answer 10

Maybe because it was in the upper part of the Missouri compromise camp line.