[Ditto]

But tell me now law professor, what does the law think of contracts made under duress?

Contracts made under duress are not valid. But saying agree with this amendment or you will not be readmitted to the Union is not duress. Just a few years earlier those same folks said screw the constitution and all the promises we made.

Duress would be “agree with this or we'll hang your treasonous ass”. That’s duress. ;~))

[DiogenesLamp]

Contracts made under duress are not valid. But saying agree with this amendment or you will not be readmitted to the Union is not duress.

So let me get this straight. You think they fought a bloody war for years to protect slavery, and all the North had to do was ask, and they would give it up?

You seriously believe that?

[FLT-bird]

Just a few years earlier those same folks said screw the constitution and all the promises we made.

No they didn't. The union is voluntary and each state retained a unilateral right of secession. That is not in any way inconsistent with the constitution.