Election of 1860

Definition

The Election of 1860 was a pivotal presidential election in the United States that resulted in the election of Abraham Lincoln as the 16th president. This election is often cited as a major realigning event because it highlighted and intensified the sectional divisions between the North and South, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the Civil War. The unique circumstances and candidates of this election reshaped the political landscape and set the stage for significant changes in American politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lincoln won the election without carrying a single Southern state, reflecting the deep sectional divisions in the country.
2. The election featured four major candidates: Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, John C. Breckinridge, and John Bell, each representing different political factions.
3. Lincoln's victory prompted several Southern states to secede from the Union, starting with South Carolina in December 1860.
4. This election marked the first time a candidate from the Republican Party was elected to the presidency, signaling a shift in American political alignment.
5. The outcome of this election played a critical role in escalating tensions that led to the Civil War, fundamentally changing the nation’s political dynamics.

Review Questions

• How did the candidates and their platforms in the Election of 1860 reflect the sectional tensions in America at that time?
  • The candidates in the Election of 1860 represented distinct regional interests and attitudes towards slavery. Abraham Lincoln, representing the Republican Party, opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, appealing primarily to Northern voters. In contrast, Southern candidates like John C. Breckinridge supported slavery's expansion, which emphasized the deepening divide between North and South. This stark contrast among candidates showcased how divided American society had become over issues of slavery and states' rights.
• What were the immediate consequences of Lincoln's election on national unity and Southern states' actions?
  • Lincoln's election led to a significant crisis in national unity as several Southern states viewed his presidency as a direct threat to their way of life and institution of slavery. The most immediate consequence was the secession of South Carolina in December 1860, followed by other Southern states. These states formed their own government, which ultimately laid the groundwork for the Civil War. Lincoln’s victory catalyzed existing tensions and demonstrated how polarized American politics had become.
• Evaluate how the Election of 1860 redefined American political alignments and its long-term effects on U.S. politics.
  • The Election of 1860 fundamentally redefined American political alignments by establishing the Republican Party as a major force opposing slavery's expansion while pushing other parties into decline or irrelevance. This shift created new coalitions within U.S. politics, influencing future elections and policy debates on civil rights and federal authority. The repercussions were profound: not only did it lead directly to civil conflict, but it also altered party dynamics that would shape political discourse for generations, establishing precedents for how regional interests could dominate national elections.

Related terms

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

Secession: The act of withdrawing from an organization or alliance; in this context, it refers to Southern states leaving the Union after Lincoln's election.

Republican Party: A political party founded in the 1850s that emerged as a major force against the expansion of slavery, with Lincoln as its first successful presidential candidate.