On this day, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the United States, a key event leading to the American Civil War. The decision was driven largely by the desire to preserve the institution of slavery, which was deeply embedded in the Southern economy and society.
South Carolina’s secession signaled the beginning of a national crisis over slavery and states’ rights. Within months, 10 more Southern states would follow, forming the Confederate States of America. This chain of events ultimately led to a war that resulted in the abolition of slavery—but also in the deaths of over 600,000 people and a long legacy of racial inequality.
© 2025 KnowThyHistory.com. Know Thy History
