Georgia's Secession and the Role of Alexander Stephens

Soon after Lincoln's election, South Carolina seceded from the Union. South Carolina was sequentially followed by Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas (these were the states that were quick to secede). Georgia, a very powerful, railroad driven state at the time, was unique because it did not unanimously vote for succession. The pro-union movement was led by Alexander Stephens who was very aware war would be the consequence of secession. His quote below demonstrates his weariness towards war with the Union.

"This step (the secession of Georgia,) once taken can never be recalled; and all the baleful and withering consequences that must follow will rest on the Convention for all coming time. When we and our posterity shall see our lovely South desolated by the demon of war which this act of yours will inevitably invite and call forth; when our green fields of waving harvests shall be trodden down by the murderous soldiery and fiery car of war sweeping over our land; our temples of justice laid in ashes; all the horrors and desolation of war upon us--who but this Convention will be held responsible for it?" (Alexander Stephens, State Convention of Georgia, 1861)

Portrait of Alexander Stephens
Source: history.furman.edu

In the end, Georgia voted in favor of succession on January 19th, 1861. The Civil War officially began three months later with the Battle of Fort Sumner on April 12th, 1961.

Map of Succession
Source: http://www.nps.gov/kemo/historyculture/wardeclared.htm