The United States is, in many ways, a strange country. It’s a collection of 50 states, each with its own unique culture, economy, and identity. Some states are economic powerhouses that rival entire countries—California is wealthier than the United Kingdom, Texas surpasses Canada, and Illinois outperforms the Netherlands. Despite these differences, these states remain bound together under one national banner—mostly willingly.
However, in a nation of over 330 million people, not everyone is content with the status quo. Secessionist movements, both past and present, have sought to reshape the United States by breaking away from federal control or even forming new states altogether.
These movements raise important questions:
- What does it mean to be a nation in a time when identities and interests clash within borders?
- Would independence truly solve these regions’ problems, or would it only make things worse?
Let’s explore some of the most notable secessionist movements in the U.S. today, their motivations, and the challenges they would face if they ever gained independence.
The Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement: A Nation That Was Once Independent
A History of Overthrow and Resistance
Hawaii wasn’t always part of the United States. In fact, it was an independent kingdom before a U.S.-backed coup in 1893 overthrew Queen Liliʻuokalani. The coup, orchestrated by American sugar barons with the aid of U.S. Marines, paved the way for Hawaii’s annexation in 1898. The Hawaiian people resisted—nearly 38,000 Hawaiians, about 95% of the native population, signed the Kūʻē petitions opposing annexation. However, their efforts were ultimately ignored.
Throughout the 20th century, the sovereignty movement gained momentum, particularly during the Second Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s. Activists protested the U.S. military’s use of Kahoʻolawe, a sacred island, as a bombing range. After years of resistance, the bombing stopped in 1990, but the island remains riddled with unexploded ordnance.
Modern Struggles and a Fight for Self-Governance
Today, the movement for Hawaiian independence is stronger than ever. The devastating August 2023 wildfires in Lahaina, which killed at least 97 people and displaced thousands, exposed Hawaii’s vulnerabilities under U.S. governance. Activists argue that capitalism and outside interests have eroded Hawaiian land and culture. Real estate developers swooped in after the fires, offering cash for burned properties, further fueling concerns over land exploitation.
Supporters of Hawaiian sovereignty believe that an independent Hawaii could reclaim control over its land and economy. They point to places like Tahiti, where restrictions on foreign property ownership have preserved native land. Could Hawaii implement similar policies?
Secession would be complex, given Hawaii’s reliance on federal funding for infrastructure and disaster relief. However, for many native Hawaiians, independence is about more than economics—it’s about restoring a nation that was taken from them.
Texas Secession: The Lone Star State’s Independent Streak
A History of Independence
Texas was its own country once—The Republic of Texas lasted from 1836 to 1845 before joining the U.S. The idea of an independent Texas never fully disappeared. From the state’s decision to join the Confederacy in 1861 to modern movements like the Texas Nationalist Movement (TNM), the push for independence has been a consistent part of Texan identity.
Legally, however, the matter is settled. The 1869 Supreme Court case Texas v. White ruled that unilateral secession is unconstitutional. But that hasn’t stopped Texans from dreaming of breaking away.
Could Texas Actually Survive on Its Own?
Proponents of secession argue that Texas, with its oil wealth, booming tech sector, and strong economy, could thrive independently. But the challenges are significant:
- Texas receives $12 billion annually in federal infrastructure funding. Losing that money would leave a major hole in the budget.
- Healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid would be disrupted.
- Secession could leave Texas vulnerable at the border, as U.S. military protection would be gone.
Despite these obstacles, support for secession remains mixed—about 33% of Texans support it, while 39% oppose it.
The Texas Independence Referendum Act, introduced in 2023, aimed to put secession to a vote. It ultimately failed, but it signals growing frustration with the federal government. Whether Texas ever leaves the Union or not, one thing is clear: its independent spirit isn’t fading anytime soon.
Cascadia: The Pacific Northwest’s Secessionist Dream
A Nation Built on Environmental Values
Cascadia isn’t a country, but it has a flag—the Doug Flag, featuring a Douglas fir over blue, white, and green stripes. The movement envisions an independent nation consisting of Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia.
The idea dates back to the 1975 novel Ecotopia, which imagined a breakaway region built on sustainability and local governance. After Donald Trump’s election in 2016, interest in Cascadia surged, as many in the liberal-leaning Pacific Northwest sought to distance themselves from federal policies.
Could Cascadia Function as a Country?
Economically, Cascadia has a combined GDP of $1.1 trillion, ranking it among the top 20 economies globally. However, independence presents serious challenges:
- Federal funding supports much of the region’s infrastructure.
- Military bases, such as Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Naval Base Kitsap, would need to be replaced.
- Cascadia would have to establish its own military or negotiate treaties for defense.
Ultimately, Cascadia’s movement is more symbolic than serious—at least for now.
Illinois’ Two-State Solution: Chicago vs. the Rest of Illinois
A State Divided
In Illinois, secession isn’t about leaving the U.S.—it’s about splitting the state in two. 28 counties have passed referendums to separate from Chicago’s Cook County, arguing that the city dominates state politics and neglects rural needs.
Would It Work?
Probably not. Studies show that rural Illinois counties receive more in state funding than they contribute in taxes, while Chicago loses money to the rest of the state. If Illinois split, rural areas would face severe economic challenges.
Still, the movement is one of the most active in the U.S. today, reflecting the deep urban-rural divide in American politics.
California Secession: A Superstate That Might Go Its Own Way
A $4 Trillion Economy Looking for Independence
California, with an economy larger than France, has a growing secessionist movement. Advocates argue that the state’s $70 billion tax surplus could be better spent locally rather than sent to Washington.
However, independence would create economic and logistical nightmares:
- The Port of Los Angeles, which handles 40% of U.S. imports, would be subject to tariffs and trade restrictions.
- Federal military bases would need to be replaced.
- California’s cost of living would likely increase dramatically.
While secession is unlikely, the growing sentiment behind it signals frustration with federal interference.
Conclusion: The Unlikely Reality of Secession
The U.S. Constitution makes secession nearly impossible. Article IV, Section 3 requires both state and congressional approval for any state to leave or break apart. Even when movements gain momentum, they face legal, economic, and political roadblocks that make independence nearly unattainable.
However, these movements reveal something deeper—an America increasingly divided by geography, culture, and ideology. Whether or not secession ever happens, these efforts serve as warning signs that many Americans feel unheard and unrepresented.
The real question isn’t whether secession will happen—but whether the U.S. can find a way to bridge its growing divides before such movements become something more than just political protests.
