What was the first state to secede from the Union?

South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union on December 20, 1860. This act was a direct response to the election of Abraham Lincoln, who was perceived by many Southerners as a threat to the institution of slavery and Southern rights. South Carolina's decision to secede set off a chain reaction, with several other Southern states following suit in the weeks and months after, ultimately leading to the formation of the Confederacy.

The choice of South Carolina is significant in understanding the political climate of the time, as it was a focal point for the Southern states' dissatisfaction with federal policies and their belief in states' rights. This pivotal moment in U.S. history marked the beginning of the Civil War and reflects the deep divisions that existed over slavery and governance in the United States.