1. State Conventions: In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President in 1860 and his opposition to the expansion of slavery into new territories, several Southern states called for state conventions to consider secession.
2. Secession Ordinances: Within these state conventions, delegates debated the issue of secession. If a majority voted in favor of secession, they passed a secession ordinance, formally declaring the state's withdrawal from the Union.
3. Ratification by Popular Referendum: In some cases, the secession ordinance was put to a popular vote among the state's citizens, allowing them to express their support or opposition.
4. Organization of Secessionist Governments: After the secession ordinance was passed, either by the convention or through popular referendum, the state would establish a new secessionist government. This involved electing a governor, establishing a legislature, and formulating a constitution.
5. Recognition by the Confederate States of America: The secessionist states then sought recognition and support from the Confederate States of America (CSA), which had been established in February 1861. The CSA would acknowledge their independence and provide military assistance.
Here is a timeline of the states that seceded in 1861:
- December 20, 1860: South Carolina
- January 9, 1861: Mississippi
- January 10, 1861: Florida
- January 11, 1861: Alabama
- January 19, 1861: Georgia
- January 26, 1861: Louisiana
- February 1, 1861: Texas
- February 4, 1861: Arkansas
- May 6, 1861: Tennessee
- May 20, 1861: Virginia
These eleven states formed the core of the Confederate States of America, leading to the outbreak of the American Civil War in April 1861.