The drive for secession of the South: the presidential election of 1860; southern political leaders and proclamation of the Confederacy; outbreak of hostilities
Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860 convinced Southern states that the federal government threatened slavery. They broke away to form their own nation, the Confederacy, and war began when Confederate forces attacked a US military fort.
Real World
South Carolina seceded within weeks of Lincoln's November 1860 election, followed by six more Deep South states before his inauguration — mirroring how Brexit negotiations revealed how quickly a political union can fracture once one side perceives an irreconcilable loss of sovereignty.
Exam Focus
For 'how far' questions on secession, argue that the election was a trigger, not a cause — the underlying cause was the long-term slavery debate.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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