Abraham Lincoln's election

Definition

Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860 marked a pivotal moment in American history, resulting in his ascension to the presidency and the deepening divide between the North and South over issues such as slavery and states' rights. His election was fueled by the growing tensions around the expansion of slavery into new territories and states, leading to the secession of Southern states and the onset of the Civil War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lincoln was elected as the first Republican president without winning a single electoral vote from Southern states, highlighting the sectional divide in the nation.
2. The election took place during a time of political fragmentation, with multiple candidates running from different parties, including Northern Democrats and Constitutional Unionists.
3. Lincoln's platform advocated for the containment of slavery rather than its abolition, aiming to prevent its expansion into new territories.
4. Following his election, seven Southern states seceded from the Union before he even took office in March 1861, forming the Confederate States of America.
5. Lincoln's election directly challenged the status quo of slavery in America, prompting fears among Southerners that their way of life was threatened.

Review Questions

• How did Abraham Lincoln's election contribute to the increasing sectional tensions between the North and South?
  • Lincoln's election exacerbated sectional tensions as it represented a triumph for anti-slavery sentiments, particularly from the newly formed Republican Party. The Southern states viewed his presidency as a direct threat to their economic and social order, which relied heavily on slavery. This fear prompted them to take drastic actions such as secession from the Union, reflecting how divisive politics around slavery had become.
• In what ways did the political landscape of 1860 influence Lincoln's election and its aftermath?
  • The political landscape of 1860 was characterized by fragmentation with multiple parties contesting for power, which split votes among those opposed to Lincoln. The Democratic Party had divided into Northern and Southern factions, weakening their overall electoral strength. This division allowed Lincoln to win with a plurality rather than a majority. Following his election, this disunity led to increased instability as Southern states seceded, culminating in the Civil War.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of Lincoln's election on American society and governance, particularly regarding civil rights and federal authority.
  • Lincoln's election set into motion significant changes in American society and governance that extended well beyond his presidency. It catalyzed a national debate on civil rights, leading to major legislative outcomes such as the Emancipation Proclamation and later the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. Additionally, Lincoln's strong stance against secession established precedents for federal authority over states' rights, reshaping how power was balanced between state and federal governments in America.

Related terms

Republican Party:

A political party founded in the 1850s, largely in response to opposition against the expansion of slavery, which nominated Lincoln for president in 1860.

Secession:

The act of Southern states withdrawing from the Union following Lincoln's election, primarily over concerns about his anti-slavery stance.

Dred Scott Decision: An 1857 Supreme Court ruling that denied citizenship to African American slaves and ruled that Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories, escalating tensions leading up to Lincoln's election.