1860 election

Definition

The 1860 election refers to the presidential election held in the United States in which Abraham Lincoln, a Republican candidate, was elected as the 16th president of the country. This election is significant because it played a major role in pushing Southern states towards secession and ultimately led to the American Civil War.

Related terms

Secession: The act of a state or group of states formally withdrawing from a larger political entity, such as a country or union.

Abraham Lincoln: The 16th President of the United States who served during the American Civil War and is known for his efforts to preserve the Union.

American Civil War: A war fought between Northern (Union) states and Southern (Confederate) states from 1861 to 1865 over issues such as slavery and secession.