Secession
Definition
Secession is the act of withdrawing from an organization, union, or political entity. In U.S. history, it most commonly refers to the Southern states' decision to leave the Union and form the Confederacy in 1860-61.
Analogy
Think of secession like breaking up with someone you're dating because you can't agree on something major. The Southern states "broke up" with the rest of America because they couldn't agree on issues related to slavery and state's rights.
Related terms
Confederate States of America: The government formed by southern states that seceded from the Union during the Civil War.
Fort Sumter: A sea fort in South Carolina where Confederate forces fired upon Union troops marking the start of Civil War.
Abraham Lincoln: The 16th President of United States who led during American Civil War; his election was one reason why some southern states decided to secede.
"Secession" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (7)
What was the main argument used by Southern states to justify their secession from the United States?
How might history have altered if President James Buchanan took a decisive stance against secession?
Which event directly led to the secession of Southern states?
How might American history be different if President Buchanan had taken a stronger stance against secession after the 1860 election?
Who was the Republican candidate in the Election of 1860 that led to secession?
How did economic differences between North and South influence the Election of 1860 and subsequent secession?
What was a major cause for the secession of Southern states from the Union, leading to the Civil War?
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