South Carolina Secedes from the Union

South Carolina's decision to secede from the Union marked a pivotal moment in American history, initiating a series of events that would lead to the Civil War. The ordinance of secession was adopted on December 20, 1860, following the election of Abraham Lincoln, which heightened tensions between the Northern and Southern states. South Carolina's leaders believed that Lincoln's presidency threatened their way of life, particularly regarding the institution of slavery, which was integral to the Southern economy. This act of secession was not an isolated incident; it set a precedent that other Southern states would soon follow. By February 1, 1861, six additional states—Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas—had also declared their secession, forming a coalition that would become known as the Confederate States of America. This rapid succession of secessionist actions underscored the deep divisions within the country and foreshadowed the impending conflict that would engulf the nation.