Aside from a general curiosity about space, the United States wanted to go to space because the Russians were trying to get there too, and we were in a "cold" war with them.
The secession of Southern States led to the establishment of the Confederacy and ultimately the Civil War. It was the most serious secession movement in the United States and was defeated when the Union armies defeated the Confederate armies in the Civil War, 1861-65. Hope this helps, good luck! :)
