The South Carolina Declaration of Secession was a critical turning point in American history as it established the first formal attempt by a state to secede from the United States. On December 20, 1860, delegates at a secession convention held in Charleston made the momentous decision after lengthy discussions on the implications of the recent presidential election. The victory of Abraham Lincoln, a member of the anti-slavery Republican Party, raised alarms within Southern states, which felt increasingly marginalized and threatened by federal policies that they believed undermined their sovereignty and way of life.

The declaration articulated the reasons for secession, primarily focusing on states' rights and the perceived encroachment on the institution of slavery, which was integral to the Southern economy and society. The language of the secession document echoed sentiments from the American Revolution, emphasizing the right of individuals to establish their governance free from oppressive authorities. The convention's unanimous decision highlighted the South's collective resolve and set a precedent, leading other Southern states to consider or follow suit in the months to come.

The adoption of the Declaration of Secession had severe repercussions, paving the way for the Southern states to unite in the formation of the Confederate States of America. South Carolina’s decision sparked widespread debate and disagreement across the nation, hastening divisions that ultimately culminated in the outbreak of the Civil War just a few months later. This unprecedented action by South Carolina underlined the fragile nature of the Union and tested its limits regarding state sovereignty, raising questions about federal authority in times of crisis.