Who tried to ruin west Virginia's chances for statehood?

Answer 1

In the lead-up to West Virginia's statehood, some Southern leaders and politicians attempted to undermine the region's efforts by opposing its separation from Virginia. Notably, Confederate sympathizers and pro-slavery advocates sought to maintain Virginia's territorial integrity, fearing that the loss of the western portion would weaken their political power. Additionally, the federal government and President Abraham Lincoln initially hesitated to support statehood due to concerns about the implications of admitting a new state during the Civil War. Ultimately, the strong anti-slavery sentiment and the region's loyalty to the Union helped West Virginia achieve statehood in 1863.