Election of '60

Definition

The Election of 1860 was a pivotal moment in American history, marking the election of Abraham Lincoln as the 16th president. This election significantly intensified the existing sectional tensions between the North and South, ultimately leading to the secession of Southern states from the Union. Lincoln's victory without carrying a single Southern state underscored the deep divisions within the country and set the stage for the Civil War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lincoln won the presidency with only 40% of the popular vote, demonstrating a fractured electorate and strong regional divisions.
2. The election featured four main candidates: Lincoln (Republican), Stephen Douglas (Northern Democrat), John C. Breckinridge (Southern Democrat), and John Bell (Constitutional Union), reflecting diverse views on slavery.
3. Lincoln's platform called for stopping the spread of slavery into new territories, which alarmed many Southerners and fueled calls for secession.
4. Following Lincoln's election, seven Southern states seceded from the Union by February 1861, forming the Confederate States of America.
5. The election is often viewed as a catalyst for the Civil War, as it laid bare the irreconcilable differences between Northern and Southern states over issues like slavery and states' rights.

Review Questions

• How did the results of the Election of 1860 illustrate the divisions within American society at that time?
  • The results highlighted a deeply divided nation, with Lincoln winning without any support from Southern states, reflecting the stark regional differences over issues such as slavery. The presence of multiple candidates from different factions also revealed how polarized political opinions had become. This fragmentation in voting patterns signaled that compromise was becoming increasingly difficult, ultimately leading to conflict.
• Discuss the immediate effects of Lincoln's election on Southern states and their decision to secede from the Union.
  • Lincoln's election prompted immediate fears among Southern states about their future in a Union governed by an anti-slavery president. In response to perceived threats to their way of life and economic interests tied to slavery, seven Southern states chose to secede by early 1861. This decision led to increased tensions between North and South, setting off a chain reaction that culminated in armed conflict.
• Evaluate how the Election of 1860 contributed to shaping America's political landscape and civil conflict in subsequent years.
  • The Election of 1860 dramatically reshaped America's political landscape by exposing and exacerbating sectional divides that had been brewing for decades. Lincoln's victory without Southern support galvanized secessionist sentiment, leading to a breakdown in national unity. The emergence of a Republican president committed to opposing slavery expansion catalyzed a series of events that directly contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War, fundamentally altering both national policies and societal norms regarding race and governance.

Related terms

Abraham Lincoln:

The 16th president of the United States, who led the nation through the Civil War and worked to end slavery.

Secession:

The act of withdrawing from an organization or alliance, notably referring to the Southern states leaving the Union following Lincoln's election.

Republican Party:

The political party that emerged in the 1850s, opposing the expansion of slavery, and which nominated Lincoln in 1860.