Meaning: The quote by William Seward, a prominent American statesman and politician, delves into the issue of slavery and its impact on defining a state as southern or northern. Seward's statement reflects the deep-seated connection between the legality of slavery and the geographical distinction of states in the United States during the 19th century. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the historical context of slavery in the United States and the political divisions it created.

During the 19th century, the United States was deeply divided over the issue of slavery. The northern states, which had begun to industrialize and embrace an economy based on manufacturing and commerce, largely rejected the institution of slavery. In contrast, the southern states, whose economy relied heavily on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cotton and other cash crops, relied heavily on the labor of enslaved individuals. This fundamental difference in economic systems and moral values led to increasing tensions between the northern and southern states.

Seward's quote captures the essence of this divide by emphasizing that it is not merely a state's geographical location in terms of latitude that defines it as southern or northern. Instead, it is the legal maintenance of slavery within a state that truly determines its classification. In essence, Seward is highlighting the pivotal role of slavery as the defining factor in distinguishing between northern and southern states.

The quote underscores the significance of the legal framework surrounding slavery in shaping the identity of a state. In the southern states, the institution of slavery was not only deeply ingrained in the economic and social fabric but was also supported and upheld by state laws. The legal sanctioning of slavery solidified the southern states' commitment to maintaining the institution as a fundamental aspect of their society and economy.

Conversely, the absence of slavery in the northern states not only set them apart geographically but also defined them as states that rejected the legal enforcement of slavery. The northern states, driven by a more industrialized economy and a growing abolitionist movement, actively opposed the expansion of slavery and eventually became strongholds of anti-slavery sentiment.

Seward's quote serves as a reminder of the profound impact of slavery on the identity and character of states in the United States. It reflects the stark contrast between the legal and social acceptance of slavery in the southern states and its rejection in the northern states. Furthermore, the quote encapsulates the broader historical struggle over the institution of slavery that ultimately culminated in the American Civil War.

In conclusion, William Seward's quote encapsulates the profound influence of slavery on defining the identity of southern and northern states in the United States. It underscores the critical role of the legal maintenance or absence of slavery in shaping the distinctive characteristics of states during a tumultuous period in American history. This quote serves as an enduring reminder of the deep-seated divisions and moral conflicts that ultimately led to a defining chapter in the nation's history.