As a subject matter expert in American history, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question about the number of states in the South. The term "South" in the United States is often used to describe a cultural and geographic region that traditionally includes the states that made up the Confederate States during the American Civil War. However, the definition of what constitutes the "South" can vary depending on the context, such as in political, cultural, or demographic discussions.

The Southern separatism you mentioned, which was primarily in defense of slavery, indeed led to a significant event in American history. In the period around 1860-1861, a group of 11 Southern states seceded from the Union, forming the Confederate States of America. These states were South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. This act of secession was a direct response to what these states perceived as a threat to their way of life and economic interests, which were deeply intertwined with the institution of slavery.

However, the modern definition of the South is not limited to these 11 states. The U.S. Census Bureau defines the South as comprising three distinct divisions: the South Atlantic, East South Central, and West South Central. The South Atlantic division includes Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The East South Central division consists of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Lastly, the West South Central division is made up of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.

In total, if we consider the states that are traditionally associated with the South, we are looking at 16 states: the 11 Confederate states plus Delaware, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. It's important to note that while all of these states have a shared history and certain cultural similarities, they are also unique in their own ways and have evolved over time.

The South has a rich and complex history that has shaped its identity in many ways. From the antebellum period to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, the region has experienced significant social, political, and economic changes. Today, the South is known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant music scenes, and distinctive cuisine, among other cultural attributes.

In conclusion, the number of states that can be considered part of the South depends on the criteria used to define the region. Historically, the 11 states that seceded to form the Confederacy are often referred to as the Southern states. However, when considering the broader cultural and geographic definition, the South includes 16 states, encompassing a rich tapestry of history, culture, and regional identity.

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Southern separatism in defense of slavery culminated in 1860-C61, when 11 Southern states (South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee) seceded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America.read more >>