Why did Louisiana secede from the Union?

Louisiana seceded from the Union on January 26, 1861, primarily due to its commitment to the institution of slavery and the belief in states' rights. The election of Abraham Lincoln, who was seen as a threat to slavery, intensified fears among Southern states that their way of life was under attack. Louisiana's leaders believed that secession was necessary to protect their economic interests and preserve their social order. Ultimately, the state joined the Confederacy in the context of a broader Southern movement to resist perceived Northern aggression.