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.

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.