Election in 1860

Definition

The Election in 1860 was a pivotal presidential election in the United States that resulted in the election of Abraham Lincoln as the 16th president. This election highlighted the deep divisions within the country over issues such as slavery and states' rights, and it ultimately acted as a catalyst for secession. Lincoln's victory without any electoral votes from Southern states underscored the growing sectionalism and foreshadowed the impending Civil War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lincoln won the presidency with a majority of electoral votes but received less than 40% of the popular vote, indicating strong regional divisions.
2. The Democratic Party was split into two factions: Northern Democrats, who supported Stephen A. Douglas, and Southern Democrats, who backed John C. Breckinridge.
3. Lincoln's campaign emphasized stopping the spread of slavery into new territories, appealing to Free Soil supporters and Northern abolitionists.
4. After Lincoln's election, seven Southern states seceded from the Union by February 1861, forming the Confederate States of America.
5. The election solidified the Republican Party's position as a major political force in American politics, fundamentally shifting the political landscape.

Review Questions

• How did Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860 reflect the growing sectionalism in the United States?
  • Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860 showcased growing sectionalism as he won the presidency without any support from Southern states, reflecting the deep divide between North and South over issues like slavery. His campaign focused on halting the spread of slavery, which alienated many Southerners who viewed his presidency as a direct threat to their way of life. This lack of Southern representation in his electoral victory underscored how polarized American politics had become, setting the stage for significant conflict.
• Discuss the impact of the Democratic Party split on the outcome of the 1860 election and its implications for national unity.
  • The split in the Democratic Party during the 1860 election severely weakened their chances against Lincoln. With Northern Democrats rallying around Stephen A. Douglas and Southern Democrats backing John C. Breckinridge, their divided support meant that they could not unify against a common opponent. This division highlighted and exacerbated national tensions over slavery, further eroding national unity and contributing to a climate where secession became more likely after Lincoln's victory.
• Evaluate how the results of the 1860 election set into motion events that led to the Civil War, considering both political and social factors.
  • The results of the 1860 election acted as a trigger for events leading to the Civil War by highlighting irreconcilable differences between North and South over slavery and governance. Politically, Lincoln's election without Southern support signaled to Southern leaders that their interests would no longer be represented at a federal level, prompting secession. Socially, Lincoln's stance against the expansion of slavery galvanized anti-slavery sentiments in the North while inciting fear and anger in Southern states. These combined political and social factors created an environment ripe for conflict, culminating in a civil war just months after Lincoln took office.

Related terms

Abraham Lincoln:

The 16th president of the United States, who led the nation through the Civil War and was a key figure in the abolition of slavery.

Secession:

The act of withdrawing from an organization or federation; in this context, it refers to Southern states leaving the Union following Lincoln's election.

Democratic Party Split: The division of the Democratic Party into Northern and Southern factions during the 1860 election, reflecting the intense national debate over slavery.