Election of Abraham Lincoln

Definition

The Election of Abraham Lincoln took place on November 6, 1860, and marked a pivotal moment in American history as it resulted in the election of the first Republican president. Lincoln's victory, achieved without carrying a single Southern state, highlighted the deep divisions within the country over issues like slavery and states' rights. This election not only set the stage for the Civil War but also led to the secession of several Southern states in response to Lincoln's anti-slavery platform.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lincoln won the presidency with only 40% of the popular vote, primarily due to a split in the Democratic Party between Northern and Southern factions.
2. His election was seen as a direct threat by Southern states, leading to the first state, South Carolina, seceding from the Union just weeks later.
3. The Democratic Party was divided during this election, with two candidates—Stephen A. Douglas and John C. Breckinridge—running against Lincoln, which contributed to his victory.
4. Lincoln's campaign focused on preventing the spread of slavery into new territories, which resonated with many Northerners who opposed its expansion.
5. The aftermath of the election saw a rapid succession of states leaving the Union, culminating in the formation of the Confederate States of America in February 1861.

Review Questions

• How did Abraham Lincoln's election contribute to the sectional tensions between North and South?
  • Lincoln's election intensified sectional tensions primarily because he was perceived as a staunch opponent of slavery's expansion. His platform appealed to many Northern voters who were against slavery but angered those in the South who felt their way of life was under threat. The fear that Lincoln would limit or abolish slavery led Southern states to feel that their interests were no longer represented in the federal government, fueling calls for secession.
• In what ways did the division within the Democratic Party affect the outcome of the Election of 1860?
  • The division within the Democratic Party significantly impacted the 1860 election by splitting their votes between two candidates: Stephen A. Douglas for Northern Democrats and John C. Breckinridge for Southern Democrats. This split allowed Lincoln to secure a majority of electoral votes despite receiving less than half of the popular vote. The failure of a unified Democratic candidate meant that Lincoln faced weakened opposition, paving the way for his unexpected victory and highlighting deep fractures within American political parties over slavery.
• Evaluate how Lincoln's election foreshadowed the coming Civil War and its implications for American society.
  • Lincoln's election foreshadowed the Civil War by exposing and deepening existing national divides over slavery and states' rights. His victory led to an immediate backlash from Southern states, which viewed his presidency as a threat to their sovereignty and way of life. The rapid succession of states following his election signaled a dramatic shift towards conflict, ultimately culminating in a war that would redefine American society through issues like emancipation and civil rights, while forever altering the federal-state relationship in governance.

Related terms

Republican Party:

A political party founded in the 1850s that opposed the expansion of slavery into the territories and supported economic modernization.

Secession:

The act of withdrawing from an organization or alliance; in this context, the Southern states' decision to leave the Union following Lincoln's election.

Stephen A. Douglas:

A prominent political figure and rival of Lincoln during the 1860 election, known for his advocacy of popular sovereignty regarding slavery.