Which statement best expresses the reason why the southern states decided to secede from the union after the election of 1860? the southern economy and way of life would be destroyed without slave labor. slaves would begin an uprising if the states did not secede. seceding from the union would end the possibility of war. secession would end the conflicts between northern states over slavery.

The answer is The southern economy and way of life would be destroyed without slave labor.

Explanation:

Even by the mid 1850's, the economy of South was mainly based on crop and agriculture which was driven by the excessive usage of Slaves and the slavery system.

Abolishing slavery would disrupt this economy and the established way of life in the south. which is why they resisted strongly and adversely.

the population grew a lot and was making more money