Learning objective

The drive for secession of the South: the presidential election of 1860; southern political leaders and proclamation of the Confederacy; outbreak of hostilities.

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The outbreak of Civil War, 1854–1861

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The outbreak of Civil War, 1854–1861

Aqa A Level History2J America: A Nation Divided, c1845–1877

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Quick explanation

The drive for secession of the South: the presidential election of 1860; southern political leaders and proclamation of the Confederacy; outbreak of hostilities

This point belongs to The outbreak of Civil War, 1854–1861, especially The outbreak of Civil War, 1854–1861.
You need to be able to the drive for secession of the South: the presidential election of 1860; southern political leaders and proclamation of the Confederacy; outbreak of hostilities.
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This objective helps connect The outbreak of Civil War, 1854–1861 to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for The outbreak of Civil War, 1854–1861.

Quick student answer

What was a significant factor that contributed to the Southern states' decision to secede after the 1860 presidential election?

Direct answer

The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was a pivotal moment that led to the secession of Southern states.

Key terms

Secession: The act of withdrawing formally from a federation or body, especially a political state; in this context, the Southern states' withdrawal from the Union.
Confederacy: The group of Southern states that seceded from the United States in 1861, forming their own government during the Civil War.

Common trap

Confusing the causes of the Civil War: Recognize that multiple factors, including economic differences, states' rights, and political tensions, contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.

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What was a significant factor that contributed to the Southern states' decision to secede after the 1860 presidential election?

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