Lincoln's Election

Definition

Lincoln's Election refers to the presidential election of 1860 in which Abraham Lincoln, representing the Republican Party, won the presidency. His election highlighted deep divisions in the country over issues such as slavery, states' rights, and economic differences, leading to intensified tensions that ultimately resulted in the Civil War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lincoln won the election with only 39.8% of the popular vote, indicating a deeply fragmented electorate across the nation.
2. His election prompted seven Southern states to secede from the Union before he even took office, forming the Confederate States of America.
3. Lincoln's platform opposed the extension of slavery into new territories, which alarmed many Southern leaders who viewed this as a direct threat to their way of life.
4. The election underscored regional tensions, with Lincoln receiving no electoral votes from Southern states, highlighting a divide between North and South.
5. Lincoln's victory marked a significant turning point in American politics, leading to a realignment of party loyalties and escalating conflict over slavery.

Review Questions

• How did Lincoln's election reflect the growing divisions in American society regarding slavery and economic interests?
  • Lincoln's election was a clear reflection of the growing divisions within American society over slavery. The Republican Party, which Lincoln represented, was formed largely in opposition to the expansion of slavery into new territories, appealing mainly to Northern voters. Meanwhile, Southern states were deeply concerned about losing their political power and economic interests tied to slavery. This divergence contributed to an increasingly polarized electorate and set the stage for secession and conflict.
• In what ways did Lincoln's election influence Southern states' decisions to secede from the Union?
  • Lincoln's election significantly influenced Southern states' decisions to secede as many Southerners perceived his presidency as an existential threat to their way of life. They feared that his anti-slavery platform would lead to the eventual abolition of slavery itself, undermining their economic system that relied heavily on enslaved labor. This fear was compounded by the lack of electoral support for Lincoln in Southern states, leading them to believe they had lost their voice in national politics.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Lincoln's election on American politics and society, particularly regarding issues of civil rights and federal authority.
  • The long-term implications of Lincoln's election were profound for American politics and society. His presidency ignited a fierce debate over civil rights that continued long after the Civil War, shaping future movements for equality. Additionally, Lincoln's response to secession asserted federal authority over states' rights, setting a precedent for how federal and state governments would interact in contentious issues. The legacy of his election helped lay the groundwork for later civil rights advancements and debates over government power, making it a pivotal moment in American history.

Related terms

Republican Party:

A political party formed in the 1850s that opposed the expansion of slavery into the territories and sought to uphold the principles of liberty and equality.

Southern Secession: The withdrawal of Southern states from the Union following Lincoln's election, driven by fears of losing political power and the future of slavery.

Dred Scott Decision: A landmark Supreme Court case in 1857 that ruled that African Americans could not be considered citizens and that Congress had no authority to regulate slavery in the territories.