Secessionism is the political movement advocating for a region or group to withdraw from a larger political entity, such as a country or state. This desire for independence often arises from cultural, ethnic, or economic differences, leading groups to seek self-determination and governance. Historically, secessionism has been seen in various contexts, such as the American Civil War, where the Southern states attempted to secede from the United States. Other notable examples include the Catalonia movement in Spain and the Quebec sovereignty movement in Canada, both seeking greater autonomy or independence.