Which event led directly to the secession of

several Southern states from the Union?

(1) violence in Kansas over the spread of slavery

(2) election of Abraham Lincoln as president

(3) publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin

(4) raid by John Brown at Harpers Ferry

The answer is (2) election of Abraham Lincoln as president led states out of the usa

The correct answer is 2) Election of Abraham Lincoln.

The election of Abe Lincoln in 1860 resulted in the secession of several different US states. The first state was South Carolina, who seceded from the Union just one month after Lincoln was elected. In January, just two months after secession, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, and Georgia all seceded within a few days of each other. This would ultimately lead to the beginning of the Civil War.