The state of South Carolina was the first to secede and leave the Union on December 10, 1860. South Carolina felt that it was in their best interest to leave the Union mainly because the new Republican party would attempt to undermine their position on slavery by assigning antislavery judges, military officials, etc. and they felt that were being denied their states rights'. The election of Abraham Lincoln was another reason for South Carolina's departure of the Union. Although slavery wasn't the deciding factor in leaving the Union, it was certainly a main issue that influenced their decision. Lincoln's 1862 Emancipation Proclamation most definitely represents the fears that South Carolina had, as it would interfere with their state rights
