1860 election

Definition

The 1860 election was a pivotal presidential election in the United States that took place during a time of growing sectional tensions and divisions over slavery. It featured four main candidates: Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, John C. Breckinridge, and John Bell, each representing different political factions and ideologies. Lincoln's victory as a Republican candidate significantly influenced the course of American history by prompting Southern states to secede from the Union, leading to the Civil War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Abraham Lincoln won the 1860 election with less than 40% of the popular vote but secured a majority of electoral votes due to his strength in the North.
2. The election was marked by deep national divisions, with the Democratic Party splitting into Northern and Southern factions, each nominating different candidates.
3. Lincoln's platform opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, while Breckinridge advocated for its protection in all territories.
4. The election results led to a domino effect of secession, starting with South Carolina in December 1860, as Southern states feared losing their political power.
5. The 1860 election is often seen as a catalyst for the Civil War, highlighting the irreconcilable differences between North and South over slavery and states' rights.

Review Questions

• How did the 1860 election reflect the political divisions in the United States at that time?
  • The 1860 election showcased significant political divisions within the United States, particularly concerning slavery and states' rights. With four major candidates representing varying views on these issues, it highlighted how sectional interests overshadowed national unity. The split in the Democratic Party into Northern and Southern factions further illustrated these divisions, ultimately contributing to Lincoln's victory and setting the stage for secession and civil conflict.
• Evaluate the impact of Abraham Lincoln's election on the Southern states and their subsequent actions.
  • Abraham Lincoln's election had a profound impact on Southern states, leading them to perceive his presidency as a direct threat to their social order and economic interests tied to slavery. In response to his victory, Southern leaders felt compelled to secede from the Union to preserve their way of life. This reaction not only intensified sectional tensions but also marked a critical turning point that paved the way for the outbreak of the Civil War.
• Analyze how the 1860 election reshaped American political parties and set the stage for future conflicts over slavery.
  • The 1860 election significantly reshaped American political parties by solidifying the Republican Party as a major force opposed to the expansion of slavery while exposing deep fractures within the Democratic Party. The inability of these parties to reconcile differing views on slavery foreshadowed future conflicts that would erupt into violence. As Lincoln took office amidst rising tensions, his administration faced immediate challenges from seceding states, further entrenching divisions that would define American politics for decades to come.

Related terms

Republican Party: A political party founded in the 1850s, primarily as an anti-slavery party, which emerged in response to the expansion of slavery into new territories.

Secession: The action taken by Southern states to withdraw from the Union following Lincoln's election, which they perceived as a threat to their way of life and the institution of slavery.

Popular Sovereignty: A political doctrine that allowed settlers in a territory to determine whether slavery would be allowed, which became a contentious issue leading up to the Civil War.