In 1837, John C. Calhoun strongly opposed discussing anti-slavery petitions in Congress, fearing it would upset the balance between the Northern and Southern states and harm the institution of slavery. Calhoun believed that entertaining abolitionist petitions could lead to conflict between the regions, threatening the social order in the South and reflecting the deep divisions over slavery, anticipating the American Civil War.
Calhoun positioned himself as a credible defender of the Southern states, using the rhetorical appeal of ethos to establish trust. He also repeated the idea that discussing abolitionist petitions in Congress would disrupt the fragile balance between Northern and Southern states.
