Lincoln's election

Definition

Lincoln's election refers to the victory of Abraham Lincoln in the presidential election of 1860, where he was chosen as the 16th president of the United States. His election was a pivotal moment in American history, symbolizing the deep divisions over slavery and leading directly to the secession of several Southern states from the Union. Lincoln's platform, which opposed the expansion of slavery into the territories, alarmed many in the South, setting the stage for escalating tensions that would culminate in the Civil War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lincoln was elected without any electoral votes from Southern states, highlighting the sectional divide in the country.
2. His election prompted seven Southern states to secede from the Union before he even took office in March 1861.
3. Lincoln's campaign was centered around stopping the spread of slavery, which resonated with Northern voters but alarmed Southern leaders.
4. The election results indicated a significant shift in American politics, as it was one of the first times a candidate from a party that opposed slavery was elected president.
5. Lincoln's victory led to heightened tensions and fears in the South, as many believed his administration would threaten their way of life and economic interests.

Review Questions

• How did Lincoln's election reflect the political divisions within the United States at that time?
  • Lincoln's election underscored the deep political divisions between Northern and Southern states regarding slavery. The Republican Party's platform, which sought to prevent the expansion of slavery, attracted a significant following in the North but was met with fierce opposition in the South. This polarization was evident in Lincoln receiving no electoral votes from Southern states, signaling a stark regional divide that would only worsen after his victory.
• Evaluate the immediate consequences of Lincoln's election on Southern states and their response.
  • Following Lincoln's election, seven Southern states chose to secede from the Union as they feared that his presidency would jeopardize their rights and institution of slavery. This immediate response marked a critical turning point leading to heightened tensions between North and South. The secessionist movement gained momentum as these states formed a new government, prompting further conflict and ultimately contributing to the onset of the Civil War.
• Assess how Lincoln's election set the stage for broader national conflict and change during his presidency.
  • Lincoln's election not only highlighted existing divisions but also catalyzed a series of events that transformed American society and governance. The secession of Southern states led to armed conflict starting with battles like Fort Sumter, which galvanized both sides into war. As president, Lincoln navigated these challenges by redefining the purpose of the war to include abolition, fundamentally changing America's relationship with slavery and laying the groundwork for a new national identity focused on unity and equality.

Related terms

Republican Party:

A political party formed in the 1850s that opposed the expansion of slavery and aimed to promote free labor and economic modernization.

Secession:

The act of withdrawing formally from a federation or body, especially the withdrawal of Southern states from the Union following Lincoln's election.

Fort Sumter:

A federal fort located in Charleston, South Carolina, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in April 1861, shortly after Lincoln's election.