The Secession Crisis and the Prelude to the Civil War

Lincoln's Election and Southern Reaction

• Election of 1860: Abraham Lincoln elected, causing alarm among Southern states.
• Southern Fear: Belief that Lincoln would abolish slavery, despite him never stating such intentions.
• South Carolina's Role: Initiated the secession movement, ultimately seceded on December 20th, 1860.
  • Initially sought support from other states.
  • Eventually seceded alone.

The Deep South Secedes

• States Following South Carolina:
  • Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas.
• Remaining Slave States: Eight stayed in the Union, awaited Lincoln's response.

Fort Sumter and Lincoln's Dilemma

• Location: Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina remained a federal property.
• Secession Implications: Lincoln faced a decision whether to hold or evacuate the fort.
  • Evacuate: Accept secession, ensure safety of troops.
  • Resupply: Stand against secession, risk conflict.
• Lincoln's Decision: Opted to resupply.
• Conflict Initiation: South Carolina fired on the fort, April 12th, 1861, marking the start of the Civil War.

Second Wave of Secession

• Additional States Leave: Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina.
• Total Seceded: 11 states.

Union Slave States

• States Remaining in Union: Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri.
  • Delaware: Quickly secured by U.S. troops.
  • Maryland: Lincoln revoked habeas corpus to prevent secession, protect Washington D.C.
  • Kentucky: Pro-Union sentiment prevailed over pro-slavery.
  • Missouri: Guerrilla warfare ensued, remained in Union despite internal conflict.

Creation of West Virginia

• Background: Northwestern Virginia opposed secession.
• Formation: Counties seceded from Virginia to remain in the Union.
• Status: Became a territory, then a state in June 1863.

Conclusion

• The secession crisis set the stage for the Civil War, with the formation of the Confederacy soon to follow.