Historical Events tagged with "secession"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Virginia Votes to Secede from the Union

April 17th, 1861 163 years ago

The Virginia secession convention convened in Richmond, where delegates voted to secede from the United States in a momentous decision driven by issues of states' rights and the preservation of slavery. The vote, held amid growing tensions in the nation, occurred in the context of the Civil War that had just broken out. This decision ultimately led to Virginia joining the Confederate States of America as its eighth member, aligning with Southern states in opposition to the Union.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Forces Surrender Fort Sumter

April 13th, 1861 163 years ago

After a 34-hour bombardment, Union forces surrendered Fort Sumter to Confederate forces. The attack commenced on April 12 and was strategically significant as it marked the beginning of open hostilities in the American Civil War. The Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard led the assault on the Federal stronghold located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. The Fort's surrender was filled with patriotic fervor for the South and foreshadowed the larger conflict that would ensue for the next four years.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Adoption of the Confederate National Flag

March 4th, 1861 164 years ago

The first national flag of the Confederate States, known as the "Stars and Bars," was adopted. This flag featured a distinctive design with three horizontal stripes in red, white, and red, alongside a blue canton containing a circle of white stars. It symbolized the new government formed by the Southern states that seceded from the Union, showcasing their identity and aspirations for autonomy. The flag's creation came during a tumultuous period leading up to the Civil War, reflecting the deep divisions in American society over slavery and states' rights.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Delegates Create Confederate States in Montgomery

February 4th, 1861 164 years ago

Delegates from six southern states gathered in Montgomery, Alabama, to begin drafting the constitution for the Confederate States of America. The meeting was a pivotal moment in the secessionist movement, reflecting the growing divide between the North and South over issues such as slavery and states' rights. The attendees aimed to establish a new government separate from the United States, highlighting their commitment to preserving their social and economic order.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Texas Secedes and Joins Confederacy

February 1st, 1861 164 years ago

Texas officially seceded from the United States after a convention held in Austin. This convention led to a decision where delegates voted overwhelmingly to leave the Union, primarily driven by tensions surrounding states' rights and slavery issues. Shortly thereafter, Texas joined the Confederate States of America, resulting in the formation of a new government aligned with pro-slavery interests.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Louisiana Votes to Secede from the Union

January 26th, 1861 164 years ago

On January 26, 1861, representatives in Louisiana convened and ultimately decided to secede from the United States, signaling a significant shift in the state's political allegiance amid rising tensions over slavery and states' rights. This decision was part of a larger movement by Southern states in response to the election of President Abraham Lincoln, whose views on slavery alarmed many in the South. Louisiana's decision followed a state convention that foregrounded the influence of pro-secession sentiments among its delegates.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Georgia Joins Southern Secession Movement

January 19th, 1861 164 years ago

Georgia's legislature voted to secede from the Union, aligning with Southern states like South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama. This decision was driven by tensions over states' rights and slavery, as the state sought to join the Confederacy in the context of rising sectionalism. Georgia's action marked a pivotal moment in the build-up to the American Civil War, signaling growing Southern unity against perceived Northern aggression and decisions contrary to Southern interests.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Alabama's Secession from the Union

January 11th, 1861 164 years ago

Alabama officially seceded from the Union, marking a significant step in the escalation toward the Civil War. The decision was made by the Alabama legislature in an effort to align the state with Southern states prioritizing slavery and states' rights. This act was part of a larger movement where several southern states took action against the federal authority in response to the election of Abraham Lincoln. Montgomery was chosen as the temporary capital of the Confederacy soon after.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Florida Becomes Third State to Secede

January 10th, 1861 164 years ago

Florida declared its secession from the Union in early January 1861, following South Carolina and Mississippi. The decision, made at a secession convention in Tallahassee, was motivated by the growing tensions over states' rights and slavery. Delegates voted overwhelmingly to leave the Union, citing threats to the institution of slavery. This decision prompted Florida to join the Confederacy and laid the groundwork for future military actions in the state during the Civil War.

Continue Reading