"It is the maintenance of slavery by law in a state, not parallels of latitude, that makes its a southern state; and the absence of this, that makes it a northern state"

This quote by William H. Seward is describing the distinctions between northern and southern states in the United States. He is stating that it is not the geographical location of a state that makes it a northern or southern state, however rather the laws that remain in place. If a state has laws that keep slavery, then it is considered a southern state. If a state does not have laws that maintain slavery, then it is considered a northern state. This quote is stressing the importance of laws in determining the identity of a state. It is likewise highlighting the reality that slavery was a significant consider the differences in between northern and southern states. Seward's quote is a suggestion of the history of slavery in the United States and the effect it had on the nation.