John C. Breckinridge

Definition

John C. Breckinridge was an American politician and soldier who served as the 14th Vice President of the United States and was a key figure in the lead-up to the Civil War. He was the Southern Democratic candidate in the 1860 presidential election, representing the pro-slavery faction and advocating for states' rights, which ultimately contributed to the deepening sectional divides that led to secession and conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Breckinridge was a former U.S. Congressman and Senator from Kentucky, known for his strong pro-slavery stance.
2. In the Election of 1860, he received 72 electoral votes, primarily from Southern states, but lost to Abraham Lincoln who garnered no support in those regions.
3. After Lincoln's election, Breckinridge's advocacy for states' rights contributed to several Southern states seceding from the Union.
4. During the Civil War, he served as a general in the Confederate Army and held various commands, including leading troops at the Battle of New Market.
5. Breckinridge fled to Europe after the Civil War and returned to America after being pardoned in 1869.

Review Questions

• How did John C. Breckinridge's candidacy influence the political landscape leading up to secession?
  • Breckinridge's candidacy as the Southern Democratic nominee highlighted the split within the Democratic Party over slavery and states' rights. His strong support for these issues appealed to Southern voters but alienated those in the North. His presence in the election demonstrated how deeply divided the nation had become, contributing to rising tensions that ultimately led several Southern states to secede after Abraham Lincoln's victory.
• In what ways did Breckinridge's actions during and after the Election of 1860 reflect the broader themes of division and conflict in America?
  • Breckinridge's actions during the Election of 1860, particularly his campaign promoting slavery and states' rights, reflected the broader themes of division as he represented a faction increasingly willing to separate from Unionist ideals. After Lincoln's victory, Breckinridge's call for secession embodied a commitment to uphold these themes amidst growing conflict. His later military involvement in the Confederate Army reinforced his position as a key player in the struggle over national unity versus regional autonomy.
• Evaluate Breckinridge's legacy within the context of post-Civil War America and its impact on reconciliation efforts.
  • Breckinridge's legacy is complex; while he fought for Confederate ideals during the war, his post-war life included a return to America after being pardoned, indicating an effort towards reconciliation. However, his staunch defense of slavery and secession complicates his role in American history. This duality reflects broader struggles during Reconstruction, as many former Confederates navigated their identities within a reunified nation, affecting how society approached healing and rebuilding relationships between North and South.

Related terms

Secession: The action of withdrawing formally from membership in a federation or body, particularly relating to the Southern states' departure from the Union during the Civil War.

Southern Democrats: A faction of the Democratic Party that emerged in the 1850s and was characterized by support for slavery and states' rights, heavily influencing the political landscape leading up to the Civil War.

Election of 1860: A pivotal presidential election in which Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, John C. Breckinridge, and John Bell competed, ultimately resulting in Lincoln's victory and heightened tensions between North and South.