Why did Southerners favor secession rather than accept Abraham Lincoln as president?

Southerners favored secession primarily due to their fears that Abraham Lincoln's presidency would threaten the institution of slavery, which was integral to their economy and way of life. They believed that Lincoln's anti-slavery stance and the Republican Party's platform would lead to the abolition of slavery and increased federal intervention in Southern affairs. Additionally, many Southerners felt a strong sense of regional identity and autonomy, leading them to view secession as a legitimate means to protect their rights and interests. Ultimately, they saw separation from the Union as a necessary step to preserve their social and economic systems.