The president when secession began was Abraham Lincoln. Southern states started to secede from the Union in late 1860, starting with South Carolina on December 20, shortly after Lincoln's election in November. His presidency marked the onset of the Civil War, which was primarily sparked by issues related to slavery and states' rights.
Lincoln's election in 1860 was seen by many Southern states as a direct threat to the institution of slavery, which was integral to their economies and social order. His platform of halting the expansion of slavery into new territories alarmed Southern leaders, who feared this would ultimately lead to the abolition of slavery itself. As a result, several Southern states chose to secede from the Union, believing they needed to protect their rights and way of life. This secession ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.
Some southern states began to talk of secession in response to growing tensions over slavery and states' rights, particularly following the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860. They feared that his presidency would lead to the abolition of slavery, which was integral to their economies and social order. This sentiment was fueled by a belief that states had the right to govern themselves and decide their own laws, including whether to allow slavery. Ultimately, these factors contributed to the decision of several southern states to secede from the Union, leading to the Civil War.
Lincoln's election would spell an end to slavery, so the southern states refused to add him.
attack the southern way of life and further limit slavery
December 20, 1860
Florida and South Carolina were the only Southern states to secede in 1860. The other 9 seceded in 1861.
Abraham Lincoln
The first state to secede was South Carolina in December 1860. The last to leave the Union was North Carolina in May 1861.
The first southern state to secede from the Union was South Carolina, which did so on December 20, 1860.
December 1860, as soon as it heard the result of Lincoln's election as President. Incidentally, it did not just attempt to secede. It did secede, followed by ten more Southern states.
Abraham Lincoln - the first Republican president
The Southern States seceded from 1860-1865, during the course of the Civil War.
South Carolina seceded from Union December 20th, 1860
The Southern States did not secede until 1860 due to the work of Henry Clay, "The Great Compromiser". His efforts included things like the Compromise of 1850 and the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
South Carolina was the first to secede in 1860
The first state to secede was South Carolina in December 1860. The last to leave the Union was North Carolina in May 1861.