Which state was the first to secede from the Union after Lincoln's election in 1860?

South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union following the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860. Its decision to secede was driven by the strong belief among many South Carolinians that Lincoln's presidency would threaten the institution of slavery, which was central to the state's economy and social structure. The culmination of tensions between the Northern and Southern states over issues such as states' rights and slavery contributed to South Carolina's choice to lead the charge in secession, occurring on December 20, 1860.

This significant historical event marked the beginning of a series of secessions by other Southern states, as South Carolina's action was seen as a rallying cry for those who believed in the need to protect their way of life. The state's decision is often viewed as the spark that ignited the Civil War, leading to intense conflict over the issues of union, freedom, and the future of slavery in America.