How did the election of 1860 lead to war?
The election of 1860 was a pivotal moment in American history, marking the beginning of a chain of events that would ultimately lead to the outbreak of the American Civil War. On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln, the candidate of the newly formed Republican Party, was elected as the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln’s victory was a significant turning point in American politics, as it marked the first time a Republican had been elected to the presidency.
The Divided Nation
The United States was a deeply divided nation in 1860. The country was still reeling from the economic and social changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution, and the issue of slavery had become increasingly contentious. The Republican Party, founded in 1854, was opposed to the expansion of slavery into new territories and states, while the Democratic Party, which had dominated national politics for decades, was deeply divided on the issue.
The Election of 1860
The election of 1860 was a four-way contest between Lincoln, the Republican candidate; Stephen A. Douglas, the Northern Democrat; John C. Breckinridge, the Southern Democrat; and John Bell, the Constitutional Union candidate. Lincoln won the election with 180 electoral votes, while Douglas, Breckinridge, and Bell received 12, 72, and 39 electoral votes, respectively.
The Secession Crisis
The election of Lincoln was seen as a threat by many Southerners, who believed that the Republican Party was committed to abolishing slavery. In the weeks following the election, several Southern states, including South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana, seceded from the Union. These states believed that they had the right to leave the Union and form their own separate nation, free from the perceived tyranny of the federal government.
The Formation of the Confederacy
On February 8, 1861, delegates from six Southern states met in Montgomery, Alabama, to form the Confederate States of America. The new nation was formed with Jefferson Davis as its president, and its capital was located in Montgomery. The Confederacy was determined to fight for its independence and the right to maintain and expand slavery.
The Election of 1860: A Turning Point in American History
The election of 1860 was a turning point in American history, marking the beginning of a chain of events that would ultimately lead to the outbreak of the American Civil War. The election was a significant moment in the history of the United States, as it marked the first time a Republican had been elected to the presidency and the beginning of the end of the Second American Party System.
Key Dates and Events
Here is a table summarizing the key dates and events leading up to the election of 1860:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1854 | The Republican Party is founded |
| 1857 | The Dred Scott decision is handed down, ruling that slaves are not citizens and have no right to sue in court |
| 1858 | Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas engage in a series of debates on slavery and states’ rights |
| 1860 | The election is held, with Lincoln winning the presidency |
| 1861 | Several Southern states secede from the Union |
| 1861 | The Confederate States of America is formed |
| 1861 | The Civil War begins with the Battle of Fort Sumter |
Conclusion
The election of 1860 was a pivotal moment in American history, marking the beginning of a chain of events that would ultimately lead to the outbreak of the American Civil War. The election was a significant turning point in the history of the United States, as it marked the first time a Republican had been elected to the presidency and the beginning of the end of the Second American Party System. The election of 1860 was a complex and multifaceted event, with many factors contributing to its outcome. However, it is clear that the election played a significant role in the lead-up to the Civil War, and its impact is still felt today.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key takeaways from this article:
- The election of 1860 was a four-way contest between Lincoln, Douglas, Breckinridge, and Bell.
- Lincoln won the election with 180 electoral votes, while Douglas, Breckinridge, and Bell received 12, 72, and 39 electoral votes, respectively.
- The election was seen as a threat by many Southerners, who believed that the Republican Party was committed to abolishing slavery.
- Several Southern states seceded from the Union in the weeks following the election.
- The election of 1860 was a turning point in American history, marking the beginning of a chain of events that would ultimately lead to the outbreak of the American Civil War.
Additional Resources
For further reading on the election of 1860 and its impact on American history, I recommend the following resources:
- "The Election of 1860" by Eric Foner
- "The Civil War: A Narrative" by Shelby Foote
- "The Rise and Fall of the American Republic" by Gordon S. Wood
- "The American Pageant" by Thomas A. Bailey and David M. Kennedy
