Digital History
Digital History: Explorations: Why Did the South Secede?
Resource explores the states that withdrew from the Union at the beginning of the Civil War and why.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Secession and Civil War
Part of a unit on the Civil War and Reconstruction, this section provides an overview of the formation of the Confederacy and subsequent secession of states in the South.
Digital History
Digital History: Harper's Ferry
Read about the infamous raid on Harper's Ferry by John Brown and his band in 1859. His first plan had a chance of success thought Frederick Douglass, but the plan that was carried out was doomed from the start. See what John Brown was...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Civil War: A "Terrible Swift Sword"
In this Curriculum Unit, students will consider "Civil War: A"Terrible Swift Sword"" in 3 Lessons. The unit also includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
Texas A&M University
Sons of De Witt Colony Texas: Bustamante's Decree of 1830
As part of the Law of April 6, 1830, read this reprinting of the Bustamante's Decree, which explicitly banned any further immigration from the United States to Texas.
Other
Crisis at Fort Sumter
Detailed background information is provided to assist users in solving the dilemmas facing President Lincoln in the events surrounding the fall of Fort Sumter.
Other
Radford University: The Civil War for Fifth Graders
Covers many aspects of the Civil War, without too much text for Grade 5 students. Includes links to additional information and a few learning activities. (Note: Some links may no longer be working.)
Texas State Historical Association
Texas State Historical Association: Fredonian Rebellion
Read about the Fredonian Rebellion of 1826, the first attempt by Anglo settlers in Texas to secede from Mexico.
Texas State Historical Association
Texas State Historical Association: Turtle Bayou Resolutions
A brief overview of the Turtle Bayou Resolutions, which played a role in the secession of Texas from Mexico and the creation of the Republic of Texas.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Civil Conflict: Secession
Site with outline information on the beginning stages of the Civil War when southern states seceded and rebelled against the Union.
Other
Marshall University: Rosanna Blake Library of Confederate History
Online exhibition of an extensive collection of historical Confederacy artifacts.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: The Civil War, 1861 1865
[Free Registration/Login Required] A collection of letters and documents focusing on the Civil War and the secession crisis. Learn about the historical events through personal letters, diaries, newspapers, and photographs.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The South Secedes
South Carolina was the first to secede upon the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860. Read about the secession of more states, the election of a president of the new Confederate States of America, and a last ditch effort to save the union.
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: The Civil War 1861 1865
An extensive collection of slides enhance study of the Civil War in North America. Find illustrated details of the key parts of the war: secession, limited war, turning point, and total war. Consider the probing essay questions also...
Alabama Humanities Foundation
Encyclopedia of Alabama: Civil War in Alabama
The Civil War in Alabama destroyed much of the state, but one thing was achieved - strengthening the convictions of those who fought so hard to protect the Confederacy as portrayed in this synopsis.
Other
American Revolution: Those Glorious "Principles of 1776": Confederate Perspective
This site explains the Southern perspective on the voluntary union of states and the justification for the South seceding from the Union.
Other
Confederate War Department: Secession of the Southern States and Territories
A table listing the fifteen states and territories that became part of the Confederacy, along with their dates of secession ordinance passage and admission into the Confederate States of America. Each state name links to a transcription...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1844 1877: Election of 1860 and Secession
A quick comprehension check over the election of 1860 and secession.
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: Anglo American Colonization in Texas: Secession
Discusses where different southern states stood on the issue of secession prior to the Civil War.
Other
Dilemmas of Compromise: Secession Stalls
Brief description of how the movement to secede from the Union was stalled by the state of Virginia. Click on "Dilemmas of Compromise" to understand this site in context.
Other
Lone Star Internet: Sam Houston "The Raven" (1793 1863)
This detailed biography includes illustrations, quotations from Sam Houston (1793-1863 CE) about many aspects of life in his time, including education. Also includes personal information about his marriages and children.
Other
Pocantico Hills Central School: The Civil War for Kids
Written and published by an elementary school class in New York, this site offers lots of information on the Civil War. You'll find pictures, maps, a timeline, and graphs. Learn about battles, leaders, uniforms, flags, and much more....
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Secession
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart describes events leading to secession, including John Brown's Raid, Lincoln's election, and South Carolina's break with the Union. It also includes information on the first states to...