Prior to 1865, most citizens of the United States considered themselves to be primarily citizens of their respective states and secondarily citizens of the US. As each state ratified the US Constitution independently, they felt they could reverse that decision should the federal government become hostile to their well-being.
Secession was considered a viable political measure for many Americans. During the War of 1812, several New England states considered secession because they opposed that war. When Texas was admitted to the Union as a slave state, Massachusetts considered secession from the Union. Therefore, the southern states seceded in 1860-61 when they felt the US government was hostile to their economic interests.
A lot of people had doubts about their right to secede or whether it was a good idea, but it was obvious that slavery would be outlawed sooner or later and slaves were vitally needed for their agriculture and way of life.
the united states had been formed by a voluntary joining of states
They justified secession with the theory of states' rights.
Eleven southern states declared their secession and formed the Confederacy.
the u.s had been formed by a voluntary joining of states
The arguments used to justify and oppose secession
The Constitution provided no guidance on secession or readmission of states.
The Constitution provided no guidance on secession or readmission of states.
The Confederate States of America, also known as the Confederacy, was a government set up on February 8, 1861 by six of the seven southern slave states that had declared their secession from the United States.
Following the failed attempt at secession by the Confederacy, the United States considers itself to be indivisible.
State's rights
Secession of South Carolina. New compromise rejected by Lincoln. Six more states join the Confederacy.
he believed in the confederacy (the rights of southern states) and secession from the union