dec 20, 1860 - SC secedes

Description:

Seven states seceded from the United States between Dec., 1860 and Feb., 1861 (SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, TX). Four more followed in the spring of 1g61, (VA, TN, AR, NC). This raised a fundamental constitutional question that was ultimately answered by Abraham Lincoln and the remaining Union states. Their answer was No. Significantly, a cool headed and wise Lincoln allowed the Confederacy to fire the first shots.