Election of 1860

Definition

The Election of 1860 was a pivotal presidential election in the United States, marked by deep divisions over issues such as slavery and states' rights. It resulted in the election of Abraham Lincoln, the Republican candidate, who opposed the expansion of slavery into the territories. This election highlighted the stark political climate that contributed to the secession of Southern states, as many viewed Lincoln's victory as a direct threat to their way of life and economic interests.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Election of 1860 featured four major candidates: Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, John C. Breckinridge, and John Bell, each representing different regional interests and views on slavery.
2. Lincoln won the presidency without carrying a single Southern state, illustrating the deep regional divide in American politics at the time.
3. The election results were a catalyst for Southern states to consider secession, as they feared that Lincoln would push for policies that would threaten their slave-based economy.
4. Lincoln's platform emphasized stopping the spread of slavery into new territories, which appealed to many Northern voters but alienated Southern Democrats.
5. Following Lincoln's victory, seven Southern states seceded from the Union by February 1861, setting the stage for the Civil War.

Review Questions

• How did the results of the Election of 1860 reflect the political divisions in the United States at that time?
  • The results of the Election of 1860 underscored significant political divisions in the U.S., particularly between Northern and Southern states regarding slavery. Lincoln’s election without any Southern electoral votes demonstrated that he was seen as a representative of Northern interests. The stark differences among candidates reflected various regional perspectives on slavery and governance, ultimately leading to increased tensions and calls for secession in response to Lincoln's policies.
• Evaluate how Lincoln’s election contributed to the secessionist movement among Southern states.
  • Lincoln's election served as a turning point that catalyzed the secessionist movement in the South. His anti-slavery expansion stance alarmed Southern leaders who feared losing their power and economic interests tied to slavery. As a result, they perceived his presidency as a direct threat to their way of life, leading them to justify their decision to secede from the Union. This response was indicative of broader anxieties regarding federal authority versus state rights at that time.
• Assess the long-term implications of the Election of 1860 on American politics and society following Lincoln's presidency.
  • The Election of 1860 had profound long-term implications for American politics and society, effectively setting in motion events that led to the Civil War. The polarized political landscape laid bare the sectional divides that would dominate U.S. politics for decades. After Lincoln's presidency and during Reconstruction, issues surrounding civil rights, federal authority, and race relations were fundamentally reshaped. This period also catalyzed shifts in political party dynamics and contributed to enduring legacies in American governance and societal structure.

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 end slavery.

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

Republican Party: A political party formed in the 1850s, which opposed the expansion of slavery and gained prominence leading up to the 1860 election.