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How did lincolnʼs election lead to the civil war?

How Did Lincoln’s Election Lead to the Civil War?

The election of Abraham Lincoln as the 16th President of the United States in 1860 marked a turning point in American history, leading to the secession of 11 Southern states and the devastating American Civil War. In this article, we will explore how Lincoln’s election contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.

The Fissures in the Union

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The 1850s saw a deepening divide between the Northern and Southern states, with issues such as slavery, states’ rights, and economic development exacerbating the rift. The Republican Party, led by Lincoln, gained popularity in the North by opposing the expansion of slavery into new territories and states. The Democratic Party, on the other hand, was split between its Northern and Southern wings, with the Southern Democrats strongly supporting slavery and states’ rights.

**The Dred Scott Decision**

In 1857, the Supreme Court handed down the landmark Dred Scott decision, which declared that slaves were not citizens and had no right to sue in court. The decision also struck down the Missouri Compromise, which had banned slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36°30′ parallel. The decision sparked outrage in the North, while many Southerners saw it as a victory for their rights.

The Election of 1860

When Lincoln, a strong anti-slavery candidate, emerged as the Republican nominee for president, many Southern states feared that he would abolish slavery altogether. In response, several Southern states began to secede from the Union, citing the need to protect their "states’ rights" and preserve slavery.

Secession and the Formation of the Confederacy

  • Seven states seceded in the first month of 1861: South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas
  • Four more states seceded later in 1861: Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee
  • The Confederate States of America (CSA) was formed in February 1861, with Jefferson Davis as its president

**The Crittenden Compromise and the Election’s Impact**

The Crittenden Compromise, proposed by Senator John J. Crittenden of Kentucky, aimed to preserve the status quo on slavery and prevent further conflict. The compromise included:

  • A constitutional amendment that would have protected slavery in the slave-holding states
  • A bill that would have prohibited the federal government from interfering with slavery in the slave-holding states
  • A promise to prevent the expansion of slavery into new territories and states

However, the compromise was rejected by the Senate, and Lincoln’s election was seen as a major factor in the breakdown of negotiations. Many Northerners viewed the Crittenden Compromise as a surrender to the slave-holding South, while many Southerners believed that the compromise was inadequate and that Lincoln would continue to push for the abolition of slavery.

The Fort Sumter Crisis

In April 1861, Confederate forces fired on Union troops at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, leading to the start of the American Civil War. The conflict had begun, and Lincoln’s election was seen as the catalyst for the secession and the formation of the Confederacy.

**The Election’s Lasting Impact**

The election of Abraham Lincoln had far-reaching consequences for the United States. The Civil War that followed lasted four years and resulted in the deaths of an estimated 620,000 to 750,000 soldiers and civilians. The war led to the abolition of slavery, the destruction of the Confederacy, and a more centralized federal government.

Table: Key Dates and Events Leading to the Civil War

DateEvent
March 1860Abraham Lincoln wins the Republican presidential nomination
November 1860Lincoln wins the presidential election
December 1860South Carolina secedes from the Union
January 1861Seven more Southern states secede
February 1861The Confederate States of America is formed
April 1861Confederate forces fire on Union troops at Fort Sumter

Conclusion

The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 marked a turning point in American history, leading to the secession of 11 Southern states and the outbreak of the Civil War. The election’s impact was felt throughout the United States, with the conflict that followed lasting four years and resulting in the abolition of slavery and the destruction of the Confederacy. The election of Lincoln served as a catalyst for the war, highlighting the deep-seated divisions within the United States and the ongoing struggle for power and freedom.

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