Secession is the act of a group or region formally withdrawing from a larger political entity, such as a country or state. This process often arises from disagreements over governance, cultural differences, or economic issues. A well-known example of secession is the American Civil War, where several southern states left the United States to form the Confederate States of America. The reasons for secession can vary widely, including a desire for greater autonomy or dissatisfaction with existing political conditions. Secession can lead to significant conflict, as the central government may resist the separation, resulting in legal disputes or even military action.