20th December 1860: South Carolina secedes from the United States of America

Summary

On December 20th, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the United States due to fears that President-elect Abraham Lincoln would abolish slavery. This move, driven by the state's reliance on slave labor in its plantation economy, ignited tensions over federal power and states' rights. Lincoln and President James Buchanan deemed secession illegal, but it led to other states following suit, precipitating the American Civil War.

Takeaways

• 🗽 On December 20, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the United States of America.
• 🔒 Slavery was a critical component of the Southern economy, particularly in South Carolina, where approximately 57% of the population were slaves.
• 🤔 The election of Abraham Lincoln raised concerns among Southern politicians that he would attempt to abolish slavery through constitutional amendments.
• 🏛️ The issue of states' rights and the power of the federal government had been a point of contention, as seen in the Nullification Crisis of 1832.
• 🗳️ Despite having a significant number of Unionists, the threat of abolition led many South Carolinians to consider secession as a means to preserve slavery and the state's economy.
• 📜 On December 17, delegates from South Carolina unanimously voted 169-0 to secede from the Union during a convention in Columbia.
• 📝 The Ordinance of Secession was drafted in Charleston and adopted on December 20, followed by a more detailed Declaration of the Immediate Causes justifying secession.
• 🚫 Both Abraham Lincoln and outgoing President James Buchanan considered the secession illegal.
• 🔄 The secession of South Carolina was followed by other states, which ultimately led to the American Civil War.

Q & A

What event occurred on December 20, 1860?

On December 20, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the United States of America.

Why was slavery an important issue in South Carolina's secession?

Slavery was crucial to South Carolina’s plantation economy, and many in the state feared that Abraham Lincoln’s election would lead to its abolition, threatening their way of life and economic survival.

What role did Abraham Lincoln's election play in South Carolina's decision to secede?

Lincoln's election in November 1860 raised fears in the South that he would attempt to ban slavery through a constitutional amendment, leading South Carolina to secede to protect slavery and states’ rights.

What concerns did southern politicians have regarding Lincoln's presidency?

Southern politicians feared that Lincoln would use his presidential power to ban slavery, which they believed was vital for their economy and way of life.

What percentage of South Carolina’s population were slaves in 1860?

In 1860, approximately 57 percent of South Carolina’s population were slaves.

How did South Carolina's convention vote on the issue of secession?

South Carolina’s convention unanimously voted 169-0 in favor of secession from the United States.

What document did South Carolina issue after the vote to secede?

South Carolina issued a short document known as the Ordinance of Secession on December 20, 1860, followed by a more detailed Declaration of Immediate Causes four days later.

What was the central reason stated in South Carolina’s Declaration of Immediate Causes for seceding?

The Declaration placed slavery at the heart of South Carolina’s decision to secede, arguing that secession was necessary to preserve slavery and the state's economy.

How did Abraham Lincoln and outgoing President James Buchanan view South Carolina’s secession?

Both Abraham Lincoln and President James Buchanan viewed South Carolina’s secession as illegal.

What broader impact did South Carolina's secession have on the United States?

South Carolina’s secession set off a chain reaction, with other southern states soon following its lead, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the American Civil War.