Mississippi Secession Ordinance facts for kids

The Mississippi Secession Ordinance was a special document written in 1861. It was Mississippi's way of saying it was leaving the United States. This happened just before the American Civil War began.

The ordinance was written by a man named Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar. He was a politician who had been part of the U.S. Congress. He resigned from Congress in January 1861 to help Mississippi leave the Union. The document was signed by him and other leaders, including James Z. George.

What Was Secession?

Secession means formally withdrawing from a union or political body. In this case, it meant a state leaving the United States. Several Southern states decided to secede in 1860 and 1861. They did this because of disagreements with the U.S. government, especially over the issue of slavery.

Why Did Mississippi Secede?

Mississippi, like other Southern states, relied heavily on slavery for its economy. They feared that the U.S. government would try to end slavery. When Abraham Lincoln was elected president in November 1860, many Southern states felt that their way of life was threatened. They believed they had the right to leave the Union if they felt their rights were not being protected.

The Decision to Leave

On January 9, 1861, a special meeting was held in Mississippi. Leaders from across the state gathered to vote on whether to leave the United States. The vote was 84 to 15 in favor of secession. This meant Mississippi officially declared itself a separate and independent state.

Key Parts of the Ordinance

The Mississippi Secession Ordinance was a short but very important document. It clearly stated Mississippi's decision to leave the United States.

Ending Ties with the U.S.

The ordinance said that all the laws and agreements that made Mississippi part of the United States were now canceled. It declared that Mississippi was taking back all the powers it had given to the U.S. government. From that day forward, Mississippi said it would be a "free, sovereign, and independent State." This meant it saw itself as its own country.

Changing State Laws

The ordinance also changed parts of Mississippi's own state constitution. Before, state officials had to promise to support the U.S. Constitution. The new ordinance removed this requirement. This showed how serious Mississippi was about no longer being part of the United Union.

Looking to the Future

Even though Mississippi was leaving the U.S., the ordinance said that any rights people had gained under U.S. laws would still be valid. This was to make sure that everyday life and business could continue smoothly. The ordinance also mentioned that Mississippi was ready to form a new union with other states that also decided to secede from the United States. This led to the formation of the Confederate States of America.

The Impact of the Ordinance

The Mississippi Secession Ordinance was a major step towards the American Civil War. Mississippi was the second state to secede, following South Carolina. Their decision, and the decisions of other Southern states, led to the formation of the Confederacy and the start of the war just a few months later. The ordinance shows how deeply divided the country was at that time.