Question

1. what does it mean to secede? what was the first state to do so? when this started, the trend of secession, others followed. what were some of the reasons in their secession statements that were not focused on slavery?
2. in february of 1861, the confederate states of america was created in montgomery, alabama. who was its president? what were the primary foundation principles of the csa?
3. in lincolns inaugural speech, what were the main points he advanced? (top paragraph on p. 526)
4. fort sumter is considered the opening salvo of the civil war. why, and what happened there?

Explanation:

1. Secession refers to a state leaving the Union. Reasons for secession in 1861 included disputes over states - rights and economic differences, not just slavery. South Carolina was the first state to secede on December 20, 1860.
2. In February 1861, the Confederate States of America was created in Montgomery, Alabama. Jefferson Davis was its president. The primary foundation principles included states - rights and a different economic system centered around agriculture and slavery.
3. In Lincoln's Inaugural speech, his main points included a desire to preserve the Union, stating that the Union was perpetual and that he would not initiate force unless necessary to maintain federal authority.
4. Fort Sumter is considered the opening salvo of the Civil War because Confederate forces fired upon it, starting the armed conflict. It was a federal fort in South Carolina, and the attack signaled the start of the war.

Answer:

1. Secession means a state leaving the Union. South Carolina was the first state to secede on December 20, 1860. Reasons included states - rights and economic differences. Statements not focused on slavery were about states - rights and economic self - determination.
2. Jefferson Davis was the president of the Confederate States of America in Montgomery, Alabama in February 1861. Primary foundation principles included states - rights and an agrarian - slave - based economy.
3. In Lincoln's Inaugural speech, main points were preservation of the Union and non - initiation of force unless to maintain federal authority.
4. Fort Sumter is the opening salvo of the Civil War because Confederate forces attacked it, starting the armed conflict.