Election of 1860
Some people say – this election was the spark that light the Civil War
DEFINITELY = one of if not the most important election in US History
TWO POLITICAL PARTIES
Democrats:
- hold convention in Charleston, SC
- Members were deeply divided – major issue who would be their candidate for president
- Southern democrats angry and walk-out
- After southerners leave, They attempt to reunite BUT not enough people at the convention
- START OVER – new convention Baltimore, Maryland (all members present)
- Southerners walk out again
Democrats divide themselves:
North – Stephen Douglass
South – John Breckinridge
Republicans:
- Convention held in Chicago, Illinois
- 1st choice for candidate NOT Lincoln
- BUT – after some debate – Lincoln becomes their presidential candidate
- Hannibal Hamlin – VP candidate
Election of 1860 – Lincoln Wins because of the split among the
Democrats
- Only receives 38% of the popular vote
(Look at the map on page 479)
Southern Reaction
Define:
SECESSION=
States leaving the Union:
1) Dec. 20, 1860 - South Carolina
2) Jan 9, 1861 - Mississippi
3) Jan 10, 1861 - Florida
4) Jan 11, 1861 - Alabama
5) Jan 19, 1861 - Georgia
6) Jan 26, 1861 - Louisiana
7) Feb 1, 1861 - Texas
President Buchanan does not know what to do – he declares this
illegal – does nothing to stop the seceding states
Lincoln had to sneak out of Washington DC – thru Maryland – into the SAFER northern states
EVENTUALLY
8) April 17, 1861 - Virginia (West Virginia does not ant to leave
and breaks off and stays in the Union)
9) May 6, 1861 - Arkansas
10) May 20, 1861 - North Carolina
11) June 8, 1861 - Tennessee
(Kentucky, Missouri, Delaware and Maryland want to leave but Lincoln sends troops to force them to stay in the Union)