Election of 1860

Definition

The Election of 1860 was a pivotal presidential election in the United States that marked the beginning of a deep national crisis leading to the Civil War. This election highlighted the divisions between the North and South, with four candidates representing different factions, including Abraham Lincoln, whose victory triggered a wave of secession among Southern states. The outcome underscored the contentious issues surrounding slavery and states' rights, ultimately setting the stage for the conflict that would engulf the nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Election of 1860 featured four main candidates: Abraham Lincoln (Republican), Stephen A. Douglas (Northern Democrat), John C. Breckinridge (Southern Democrat), and John Bell (Constitutional Union).
2. Lincoln won the election with a majority of electoral votes but only received about 40% of the popular vote, showcasing the divided sentiments across the nation.
3. Following Lincoln's election victory, several Southern states seceded from the Union, starting with South Carolina in December 1860.
4. The election underscored regional tensions, as it was primarily driven by differing views on slavery and its expansion into new territories.
5. Lincoln's election was seen as a direct threat to slavery by Southern states, leading to their belief that they had to protect their way of life through secession.

Review Questions

• What were the main factors that contributed to Abraham Lincoln's victory in the Election of 1860?
  • Abraham Lincoln's victory in the Election of 1860 can be attributed to several key factors. His strong stance against the expansion of slavery resonated with Northern voters who opposed its spread into new territories. The fragmentation of opposition candidates also played a significant role; with four candidates running, Lincoln was able to secure a majority of electoral votes despite receiving only around 40% of the popular vote. Additionally, the Republican Party's organization and strategy effectively mobilized support in key states.
• How did the results of the Election of 1860 impact Southern states' decisions to secede from the Union?
  • The results of the Election of 1860 significantly influenced Southern states' decisions to secede from the Union. With Abraham Lincoln winning without any Southern electoral votes, many in the South felt marginalized and threatened by his anti-slavery platform. The perception that their interests would no longer be represented led to fears that their way of life was at risk. This fear was compounded by calls for secession from various Southern leaders who argued that their rights as slave-holding states were being undermined by a Northern-dominated government.
• Evaluate how the Election of 1860 served as a catalyst for the Civil War and what broader implications it had for American society.
  • The Election of 1860 acted as a catalyst for the Civil War by starkly illustrating the deep divisions within American society over slavery and states' rights. Lincoln's election signified not just a political shift but also a cultural and ideological clash between North and South. The immediate aftermath saw a wave of secession from Southern states, which believed they were defending their economic interests and societal norms. This fracture in national unity raised questions about federal authority versus state rights, leading to armed conflict and fundamentally altering American society, politics, and its future trajectory.

Related terms

Abraham Lincoln: The 16th President of the United States, who led the nation during the Civil War and is known for his efforts to abolish slavery.

Secession: The act of withdrawing formally from membership in a federation or body, particularly by Southern states from the Union following Lincoln's election.

Republican Party: A political party founded in the 1850s that opposed the expansion of slavery into American territories and supported Lincoln during the 1860 election.