The Southern States Leave the Union — Reading Comprehension

The Southern states left the Union in 1860 and 1861. This important event helped start the Civil War.

Abraham Lincoln was elected president in November 1860. Many people in the Southern states worried about his views on slavery. They thought Lincoln would try to end slavery across the United States. Slavery was a big part of Southern life and economy. Many Southern leaders felt their way of life was in danger.

South Carolina was the first state to leave the Union in December 1860. The leaders in South Carolina voted to secede, which means to break away from a country. Other Southern states soon followed. Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas all left the Union by February 1861.

These states met in Montgomery, Alabama. They created a new group called the Confederate States of America. They chose Jefferson Davis as their president. The Confederate leaders wrote their own constitution, like the United States had.

Some people wanted to keep the country together. Abraham Lincoln said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." He wanted to find a peaceful way to solve the problem. But the Southern states believed the only answer was to leave.

This choice led to many hard times and battles. The Civil War began in April 1861, after Southern soldiers attacked Fort Sumter.

Interesting Fact: Some people in the South did not want to secede. They stayed loyal to the Union and tried to help keep the country together.

Who was elected president in 1860?

Which state first left the Union?

What group did the Southern states form?

Why did the Southern states leave?

What did Abraham Lincoln want?

What started the Civil War?

The Confederate states stayed in the Union.

What does 'secede' mean?