John C. Breckinridge

Definition

John C. Breckinridge was a prominent American politician and lawyer who served as the 14th Vice President of the United States and was the Southern Democratic nominee for president in 1860. He is significant for his role in the formation of the Confederate States during the Civil War and his involvement in notable third-party campaigns, particularly as a candidate from the Southern faction of the Democratic Party.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Breckinridge was born on January 16, 1821, in Lexington, Kentucky, and he studied law before entering politics.
2. He served as Vice President under James Buchanan from 1857 to 1861, making him one of the youngest individuals to hold this office.
3. In the 1860 presidential election, he received 72 electoral votes, primarily from southern states, but lost to Abraham Lincoln.
4. After the election, Breckinridge became an outspoken supporter of secession and joined the Confederate Army, eventually rising to the rank of Major General.
5. Following the Civil War, Breckinridge faced legal and financial troubles but continued to engage in politics until his death in 1875.

Review Questions

• How did John C. Breckinridge's political career reflect the divisions within the Democratic Party during the lead-up to the Civil War?
  • Breckinridge's political career highlighted the deepening rifts within the Democratic Party, particularly over issues surrounding slavery and state rights. As a Southern Democrat, he represented the pro-slavery faction that sought to maintain and expand slavery into new territories. His nomination for president in 1860 came after a split in the party between Northern Democrats and their Southern counterparts, ultimately leading to a fractured electorate that contributed to Lincoln's election.
• Evaluate Breckinridge's role in the Confederate States of America and how his actions as a military leader impacted his legacy.
  • As a Major General in the Confederate Army, Breckinridge played a significant role in various battles during the Civil War. His leadership during key conflicts such as the Battle of Shiloh and his command at other strategic points showcased his commitment to the Confederate cause. However, his involvement with the Confederacy has complicated his legacy; while he is viewed as a patriot by some, others criticize him for supporting an insurrection against the Union and for fighting to uphold slavery.
• Analyze how John C. Breckinridge’s candidacy in the 1860 presidential election reflects broader societal tensions in America at that time.
  • Breckinridge’s candidacy in the 1860 presidential election illustrates significant societal tensions regarding slavery and sectionalism in America. His campaign represented not only Southern interests but also a desperate attempt to preserve the institution of slavery against growing abolitionist sentiment. The election resulted in a clear division among voters along geographic lines, with Breckinridge receiving support primarily from Southern states. This polarization set the stage for heightened conflict, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of civil war shortly after Lincoln's victory.

Related terms

Southern Democrats: A faction of the Democratic Party that emerged in the 1860s, advocating for the interests of slaveholding states and promoting the expansion of slavery into new territories.

Confederate States of America: A coalition of southern states that seceded from the Union in 1861, leading to the Civil War, with Breckinridge serving as a general in its army.

1860 Presidential Election: The election in which Breckinridge was one of four major candidates, reflecting deep national divisions over slavery and sectionalism.