Lucretia Mott Faces a Mob Response

1) The general public seems to believe that the abolitionists are purposely trying to diminsh trade with the South and the North. Trade is widely spreading at a tremendous rate during this time and the public believes that the slaves are crucial at this period of time. They are also against women playing a role in the public such as politics and public speeches. They are also angered over how the Quakers are holding meetings including people of different races, as in blacks. They see the abolitionists as a threat to their trading businesses and their general so believed "improved" means of living. 

2) No, the statement claiming that the South is dependent on the North was no big surprise. The South produces in order to support themselves and also for money. The only means of getting that money is by selling products to place that cannot produce those specifics things, such as the North. Without the North buying Southern produce, plantations would close and the rich Southerners would become poor.