In February 1861, secessionists in Tennessee's state government—led by Governor Isham Harris—sought voter approval for a convention to sever ties with the United States, but Tennessee voters rejected the referendum by a 54–46% margin. The strongest opposition to secession came from East Tennessee (which later tried to form a separate Union-aligned state). Following the Confederate attack upon Fort Sumter in April and Lincoln's call for troops from Tennessee and other states in response, Governor Isham Harris began military mobilization, submitted an ordinance of secession to the General Assembly, and made direct overtures to the Confederate government. The Tennessee legislature ratified an agreement to enter a military league with the Confederate States on May 7, 1861. On June 8, 1861, with people in Middle Tennessee having significantly changed their position, voters approved a second referendum calling for secession, becoming the last state to do so. COUNT 5
QSN1 Which Tennessee governor championed secession in February of 1861? ANS1 Isham Harris QSN2 Which area of Tennessee was most resistant to secession? ANS2 East Tennessee QSN3 What percentage of voters voted against secession in Tennessee's February 1861 referendum? ANS3 54 QSN4 On which date did Tennessee enter a military alliance with the Confederacy? ANS4 May 7, 1861 QSN5 Which region of Tennessee swung in favor of secession in the June 1861 referendum? ANS5 Middle Tennessee