Download File - The Election of 1860

Biswas, Currier, Ugelow 1
Primary Sources
"1860 (Southern) Democratic Party Platform." The Blue and Gray Trail - America's Civil War. Web. 29
May 2011. <http://blueandgraytrail.com/event/1860_(Southern)_Democratic_Party_Platform>.
The Southern Democratic Platform provides a look at the goals of the southern democrats and
correspondingly the deep south and how they compare to that of the northern Democrats.
“Abraham Lincoln,” Chicago (IL) Press and Tribune, November 10, 1858, p. 2.
In this article, it tells of Lincoln’s loss of not being able to get into congress but says that he will
always have a good reputation. He has also earned respect from his party. It also says at the
ends basically that he is better that Stephan Douglas. This article by the press fore shadows that
Lincoln will do something in the future that he will probably win at because so many people now
admire him, an his ability in speeches.
"Abraham Lincoln: First Inaugural Address. U.S. Inaugural Addresses. 1989." Bartleby.com: Great Books
Online -- Quotes, Poems, Novels, Classics and Hundreds More. Web. 23 Apr. 2011.
<http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres31.html>.
Lincoln gave this speech as took office; it was primarily directed to the people of the south.
Lincoln declares secession to be anarchy as under the constitution the union was perpetual.
Though trying to make amends, Lincoln clearly states he would respond with force if the south
were to take up arms or impede Lincoln from taking the property of the federal government
Abraham Lincoln to Jesse W. Fell, December 20, 1859, Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of
Congress.
This is a letter written by Abraham Lincoln. It is sort of a brief description of himself and his life.
It tells of how when he was a child he had barely any education and the little that he had was
from people who didn’t really know much. It also tells of how he chose to learn on his own
whenever he could and how he tried to go into government when he could and learned a lot
there.
"Avalon Project - Democratic Party Platform; June 18, 1860." Avalon Project - Documents in Law, History
and Diplomacy. Web. 29 May 2011. <http://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/dem1860.asp>.
The northern Democratic platform demonstrates both the universal goals of the northern
Democrats and the conflict occurring within the party.
Constitution, This. "Avalon Project - Confederate States of America - Declaration of the Immediate
Causes Which Induce and Justify the Secession of South Carolina from the Federal Union."
Avalon Project - Documents in Law, History and Diplomacy. Web. 23 Apr. 2011.
<http://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/csa_scarsec.asp>.
This declaration from the delegates of the South Carolina convention states their reasons for
seceding. They base it on the principle that the free and independent states entered into a
contract with the others, and upon that being broken they were released from any former
Biswas, Currier, Ugelow 2
obligation. They state the northern states have broken this by freeing slaves and promoting
abolition, and that the election of Lincoln and his party will clearly result in the extinction of all
slavery, thus destroyed the guarantees of the constitution and of equal rights and creating
causes for secession.
"Constitutional Union Party Platform of 1860." Welcome to American Revival. Web. 29 May 2011.
<http://www.americanrevival.org/csa/misc/constitutional_union_party_platf.htm>.
The Constitutional Union Party’s platform, or lack thereof, exemplifies how focused the party is
on strictly maintaining the union, but also how, in the process, they ignore vital issues that must
be resolved in America.
"Declaration of the Causes of Secession, Georgia." Digital History. Web. 8 May 2011.
<http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/learning_history/south_secede/south_secede_georgia.cfm>.
This constitution states that Georgia is no longer part of the United States of America and why.
They explain a variety of reasons. The constitution first starts generally stating that the
Republican Party is an antislavery party. They then go on to say that the government has given
millions of dollars to the Northern states for material needs. Also, the people of Georgia say how
now if the north stands united they could defeat the south as they did in the presidential
election. The document then goes on to state the main reason for their secession. They first
state that the antislavery feeling had been very passive but needed something to spark
aggressive behavior. This “spark” was the territory gained from the Mexican American War.
Once the U.S. gained this territory, they needed some way to govern it in terms of slavery.
When the North decided to eliminate slavery the South was angered as they were the ones who
fought in the war to gain the territory. They believed because they had won the territory
slavery should be allowed. This was the main reason Georgia seceded as they felt their rights
were being oppressed.
"A Declaration of the Causes Which Impel the State of Texas to Secede from the Federal Union." Digital
History. Web. 30 May 2011.
<http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/learning_history/south_secede/south_secede_texas.cfm>.
This documents states the reasons of why Texas seceded from the Union. It first starts off with
an allusion to the preamble of the Constitution, saying that Texas has seceded to “insure
domestic tranquility” and the other reasons stated in the preamble. Later it states that Texas
was admitted to the Union as a slave holding state and by seceding the bonds between the
other southern slaveholding states has grown stronger. The document then gives many reasons
why Texas is seceding. First, they believe the federal government is not protecting them, as it is
run by their “sectional enemies.” As the state government of Texas has been fighting Mexico as
well as Native Americans, the federal government has neither helped nor reimbursed Texas. The
document also states the secession is a result of many northern states violating the fugitive
slave act. Another reason of secession stated is that the northern states have created a
sectionalized party that can control the federal government, disallowing the participation of the
southern states in government. They then state a list of things that the north has done that has
caused them to secede. This list includes the want to abolish slavery and ignorance of
constitutional laws as well as multiple times of the north invading the south either with
distribution of weapons or trying to hurt the slaves. The final reason stated in the secession
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document of Texas is that the north was able to choose both the president and vice president of
the United States that oppose slavery. Because of this Texas chose to secede as they felt they
were more protected as part of the confederacy.
"A Declaration of the Immediate Causes Which Induce and Justify the Secession of the State of
Mississippi from the Federal Union." Digital History. 2011. Web. 08 May 2011.
<http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/learning_history/south_secede/south_secede_menu.cfm>.
This document states the secession of Mississippi. This document is similar to a list of reasons
explaining why they are seceding. They state some things the North has done to anger them.
They have denied the right of property of slaves, not allowed new slave states into the union,
ignored the Fugitive Slave Act, promote social equality of blacks, invaded a state for martyrdom,
and has taken away all hope of the North and South living together peacefully. They then go on
to say that this is a far greater cause to separate then when the colonies separated from
England and claim to be “following in their footsteps” by doing so
"Florida Declaration." Causes of the Civil War. Web. 15 May 2011. <http://civilwarcauses.org/floridadec.htm>.
Florida’s unpublished declaration of causes exhibits their reasons for secession and anger at the
Republican Party. The article criticizes Lincoln as “obscure”, and “illiterate”, and blasts the north
for its actions against slavery, showing that the election of 1860 was a major cause of the Florida
secession.
"The Illinois Election-Triumph of Douglas," New York Times, November 5, 1858, p. 4: 2.
This is an article in the New York Times in 1858 about Stephan Douglas. It talks about how
Douglas would almost not even get a place in the Senate as a Democrat, but the Republicans
realized that if the Democrats were divided, then they would have a much better chance, so
they helped Stephan Douglas. It also mentions how Kansas needed to be given a name in terms
of slaves or no slaves. And it says how the Governor said that if anyone tried to stop it from
being for slavery, then they will be disowned.
“Lincoln’s House Divided Speech.” Ushistory.org. 16 June. 1858. Web. 8 May. 2011.
<http://www.ushistory.org/documents/housedivided.htm>
Lincoln gave this speech at the Illinois Republican conference and covered a wide variety of
issues regarding slavery. He started with stating that the union cannot stay together if they are
divided against each other. He says that the union will not be able to stay if they are “half slave
and half free.” He then states that he expects for the house to become united instead of falling.
Later in the speech Lincoln talks about the Dred Scott Decision and the opinions of the Supreme
Court. He then questions why many issues regarding the case. Although he talks about the case
for a long period of time he gives no opinion on the outcome.
"Republican National Platform - 1860 (Lincoln)." Civil War Interactive - The Daily Newspaper of the Civil
War. Web. 29 May 2011. <http://www.civilwarinteractive.com/DocsRepPlatform1860.htm>.
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The Republican Platform of 1860 shows the official goals of the Republican Party and of Lincoln
clarifying their intentions heading into the government and how that played out corruptively to
reality.
Secondary Sources
Cole, Arthur C. Lincoln's Election an Immediate Menace to Slavery in the States? No. 4 ed. Vol. 36. 74067. (Jul., 1931). JSTOR. Web
This source is a section of a book written by Arthur C. Cole a world renowned author trying to
answer the question of was Abraham Lincoln a threat to southern slavery? Although Lincoln
never publicly attacked the running institutions of slavery southerners were afraid that their
slaves were at risk. The rise of the Republican Party scared them and further pushed them to
fight against Lincoln. The southerners believed Lincoln was against slavery from his “House
Divided” speech and continued to believe he was a menace to slavery throughout the election
campaign and soon after.
Foner, Eric. “Abraham Lincoln’s Fateful Address.” Eric Foner, 3 March 2011. Web. 30 April 2011
<http://ericfoner.com/articles/030311guardian.html>
This article by Eric Foner explains how Lincoln gave his inaugural address. Lincoln tried to
convince the southern states to stay united with the union and not secede. If the southern
states seceded from the nation they could be setting a precedent allowing other groups to rebel
from the union or even secede themselves. This speech had divided reactions; the north praised
it, while it caused a confrontation in the south. Frederick Douglass reacted to this speech both
negatively and positively. He disliked that Lincoln didn’t take a firm position on slavery, but also
explained why the south was so disagreeable. He believed that the south was seceding because
with the election of Lincoln it showed that there was no longer a “power of slavery” in the
government. The fact that Lincoln was able to win without a vote from the south scared the
south into seceding or debating secession.
Foner, Eric. Free Soil, Free Labor, Free Men. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995
This is a book written by Eric Foner and on page 100 it tells of the state that the south was in,
in 1860. The South wanted full protection of their slaves and more too. For example they
wanted reference to slavery in the constitution and reinforce and insure the right to have
slaves. The North felt threatened by this and many republicans thought that it was the goal of
the South, to bring slavery into the North.
Foner, Eric. “Our Lincoln.” January 26, 2009. Eric Foner- American Historian. April 30, 2011.
<http://www.ericfoner.com/articles/012609nation.html>
In this article by Eric Foner, he tells about how President Lincoln should be remembered. He says
he should be remembered for his understanding in abolition and how it needs to be done in
order to make the U.S. live up to the Declaration of Independence in the words “Life, Liberty and
the pursuit of happiness” and his ability to make growth in the United States. Though he came by
emancipation more slowly than most abolitionists, it tells of his plan to make the slaveholders
partners in abolition.
Biswas, Currier, Ugelow 5
Goodwin, Doris. Team of Rivals. New York: Simon & Schuster paperbacks, 2006
In this book written by Doris Goodwin, a biographer and historian, she writes about the
ambitious path that Lincoln and the other candidates take during the election of 1860. All of the
other candidates were disappointed along with others when Lincoln had been elected. They
believed they had chosen the wrong person. Who was Lincoln to come and take that position
away from them? Just a lawyer who had come from nowhere it seemed. All of Lincoln’s rivals
were better educated then himself it seemed, but Lincoln did a good job of taking controle of
events and showing the ambition that he had.
Holzer, Harold. "America's oddest election: the sure win that Lincoln nearly lost." American Heritage Fall
2010: 12+. General OneFile. Web. 1 May. 2011.
<http://find.galegroup.com/gps/infomark.do?&contentSet=IACDocuments&type=retrieve&tabID=T003&prodId=IPS&docId=A239092530&source=gale&srcprod
=ITOF&userGroupName=mlin_m_bedhigh&version=1.0>
This article by Harold Holzer, an Abraham Lincoln expert, tells how Lincoln chose to campaign
for president. Lincoln took advice from William Cullen Bryant to stay silent during the campaign.
He chose not to give speeches or report his ideas. This was the same for both Breckinridge and
Bell as they were all passive candidates. This was not the same however for the northern
democratic candidate Stephen Douglas. He decided to do an unprecedented thing and campaign
for himself. The excitement for this election was huge as 82% of citizens voted, more than ever
before. Lincoln was able to win the election because of the split in the Democratic Party and his
low profile.
Jones, Shannon. "150 Years Ago: The Election of Abraham Lincoln Touches off Secession Crisis." World
Socialist Web Site. Dec. 2010. Web. <http://www.wsws.org/articles/2010/dec2010/1860d24.shtml>.
This article tells how Lincoln became elected president and what happened after he was
elected. Lincoln ran for president against three other people from three different political
parties. He was able to win by the split of the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party split over
the issue of slavery and nominated two different people. This allowed Lincoln and the
Republican Party to take 40% of the popular vote and the majority of the Electoral College. Once
Lincoln was elected South Carolina immediately held a meeting debating secession causing
other southern states to follow.
Latner, Richard B. "The Election of 1860." Crisis at Fort Sumter. Tulane Unversity, 23 July 1996. Web. 22
Apr. 2011. <http://www.tulane.edu/~latner/Background/BackgroundElection.html>.
Richard B. Latner is a professor at Tulane University. He got his Ph.D. at UW Madison in 1972,
and specializes in Jacksonian America; Sectionalism and Civil War; and Information Technology.
His Crisis at Fort Sumter was the website winner of MERLOT Classics and Editors’ Choice Awards
2004.
This article states that by the mid 1850s slavery issues had destroyed the generation old two
party system and sectionalized the country pulling it apart. The Republican Party emerged in the
north and nominated Lincoln. The Democrats split over popular sovereignty, and the northern
Biswas, Currier, Ugelow 6
Democrats nominated Douglas, the south Breckinridge. The Constitutional Union Party
nominated John Bell. The contest developed into two elections, Lincoln and Douglas in the
north, Breckinridge and Bell in the south, demonstrating that the national political system of the
United States was no longer functionally operating.
Leddy, Chuck. “New York City’s secession crisis: strong economic ties to the south temted Gotham to
consider a break from the Union in 1861”. Civil war times 45.10 (2007): 32+. General OneFile.
Web. 29 April 2011. http://find.galegroup.com/gps/infomark.do?&contentSet=IACDocuments&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=IPS&docId=A213079358&source=gale&srcprod
=ITOF&userGroupName=lvccld_main&version=1.0
This article is written by Chuck Leddy, who is a book critique and frequently writes about
American History. It tells about how the south succeeded from the north because Lincoln was
elected. Knowing that Lincoln was opposed to slavery, the south chose to flee instead of have
their slaves taken from them. They couldn’t imagine life without their slaves. In the article, it
highlights how New York was thinking about removing themselves from the union as well
because most of their business came from the south and they were afraid of losing it. But they
didn’t and Lincoln helped them make that decision.
Leidner, Gordon. "How Lincoln Won the 1860 Republican Nomination." Great American History. 28 Dec.
2009. Web. <http://www.greatamericanhistory.net/nomination.htm>.
Written by Gordon Leidner, a board member of the Abraham Lincoln Institute, this source tells
how Abraham Lincoln became nominated for the republican candidate. The favorite for the
republican candidate was William H. Seward. He expected to easily win the nomination. Lincoln
used strategies to be able to defeat Seward such as filling the room with many loud Lincoln
supporters so Seward supporters couldn’t get in. Lincoln was able to get the state of
Pennsylvania by offering the potential candidate of Simon Cameron a cabinet position. As the
voting continued and different ballots were used, Lincoln gained votes as Seward lost them
allowing him to become the republican presidential candidate.
Levine, Bruce. Half Slave and Half Free. New York: Hill and Wang, 1992
This is a book written by Bruce Levine who is a professor of American History at the
University of Cincinnati and which is also edited by Eric Foner. This book highlights how much
slavery is a part of the United States. Slavery has been around since the ancient times. This
shows how hard it would be to separate slaves from their owners. Bruce Levine tells of the
struggles to keep slavery or get rid of it
McPherson, James M. "Out of War, a New Nation." Prologue Magazine 2010. National Archives. Web. 19
Apr. 2011. <http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2010/spring/newnation.html>.
James M. McPherson is professor emeritus of history at Princeton University, is one of the
nation's foremost Civil War historians, his book Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era won the
Pulitzer Prize for history in 1989. In 2008, McPherson received the Records of Achievement
Award from the Foundation for the National Archives.
This column shows that Lincoln’s election marked the first time in more than a generation the
south lost control of the government, prompting pro-slavery states to believe they had little
Biswas, Currier, Ugelow 7
chance of preventing the abolition of slavery and seven states to secede from the union that
same year. This resulted in the civil war, vastly increased powers of the national government,
the abolition of slavery, and established a northern majority in all three branches of government
that would last a century.
McPherson, James M. "The Revolution of 1860." Battle Cry of Freedom: the Civil War Era. New York:
Oxford UP, 1988. 202-233. Print.
James McPherson’s Pulitzer Prize winning book explores in great detail the goals and acrimony
of Americans preceding the election. Southern Democrats were set on destroying Douglass, and
repeating walked out of conventions. While Lincoln was a very obscure candidate, his lack of
controversy became his strongest quality. As Lincoln gained popularity the south gave way to
mass hysteria, and false propaganda, with almost all parties unwilling to compromise. Despite
Lincoln’s repeated insistence he did not intend to interfere with slavery in the southern states,
by the time he was elected southern opinion that the government was on the path to end all
slavery.
McPherson, James. Tried by War. New York: The Penguin Press, 2008
In this book, Abraham Lincoln's time as commander in chief is highlighted. Written by James
McPherson, a historian of the Civil War, this book tells of how Lincoln was a self taught
commander in chief. He would study books but also his childhood plays a part in ability to
become a commander in chief. His strategies of conducting the war that created the turn out
that we know today.
"Members of the Supreme Court of the United States." Supreme Court of The United States. Federal
Government. Web. 8 May 2011. <http://www.supremecourt.gov/about/members.aspx>.
This timeline of Supreme Court Justices shows that Lincoln appointed five Supreme Court
justices during his presidency. Nearly a month after Lincoln’s inauguration there were only six
justices on the court, allowing Lincoln to make immediate appointments in 1862. The
termination of all three justices occurred shortly before the secession of Virginia, Arkansas,
Tennessee and North Carolina. Lincoln later appointed two more including the chief justice
Chase.
Monroe, R.D.. “The Campaign of the Century 1859-1861.” 2006 Lincoln/net. 5 May
2011 <http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/biography8text.html>.
This article, written by R.D. Monroe with a Ph.D. in history tells the story of Lincoln’s election.
Before Lincoln ran for president he had run for senate twice and lost both times. Although he
lost, the series of debates Lincoln had with Stephen Douglas gained him popularity. Because of
this Lincoln became the republican candidate for Illinois and later the whole party when other
candidates couldn’t get enough votes. Lincoln then ran against Bell, Breckinridge, and Douglas in
the election of 1860. The northern and southern democrats, Breckinridge and Douglas
respectively started to attack the Republican Party by saying that the slaves would be freed and
compete against white men. Lincoln then won the election with a 39% electoral vote. After he
was elected Lincoln remained silent about the idea of slavery and the idea of secession. He
Biswas, Currier, Ugelow 8
hoped that the south would not secede and they could stay as one country. After his inaugural
address the confederate states made war with the country.
Murrin, John M., Paul E. Johnson, James M. McPherson, and Gary Gerstle. Liberty, Equality, Power: A
History of the American People. Boston: Thomson Coporation, 2008. Google Books. Web. 23 Apr.
2011.
<http://books.google.com/books?id=4aNIeXqWz9YC&printsec=copyright&source=gbs_pub_info
_s&cad=3#v=onepage&q&f=false>.
John Murrin, Paul Johnson, James McPherson and Gar Gerstle are distinguished professors of
Princeton University, University of South Carolina, Princeton University, and University of
Maryland, respectively. In their book they state that southern pro-slavery radicals hoped a
Republican would be elected, as it could be a catalyst for a succession. The south knew the
election of Lincoln would mark an irreversible turning point from southern dominance and
equated Lincoln with the most radical abolitionists of the time though he was a moderate
Republican. Lincoln’s election provided the shock to southerners to allow the built up tension to
explode as seven states immediately seceded.
No author cited, “1860 Election” No copyright date. “ Lincoln Home. 5/7/11
<http://www.nps.gov/liho/planyourvisit/upload/1860%20Election%20Front%20and%20Back.
pdf>.
As well as the topic of slavery being the reason for someone to elect their president, there
were also topics such as National Tariff, Homestead Act, and a Transcontinental Railroad. The
Democratic Party had split over the decision of deciding whether slavery should be voted on,
or just allowed everywhere. The republicans would not touch slavery and the Constitutional
Union was afraid that the Country would fall apart so they didn’t take many sides in anything.
N one got the majority of the popular vote but Lincoln won the Electoral College.
No author cited. The election of 1860. April 23rd 2011. Digital History. April 23rd 2011.
<http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/database/article_display.cfm?HHID=83>
This article of the website tells how during the election of 1860, the U.S split because f the
problems with slavery. The south disagreed with the north about slavery and when their slave
holding rights were declined, they stepped out and became separate from the rest of the U.S.
When Lincoln was elected, he was faced with these difficulties and problems of the conflict
between slaveholders and abolitionists.
Oakes, James. The Radical and the Republican. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2007
This is a book which shows how Lincoln found a way for the emancipation of slaves. Frederick
Douglass is one that encourages him to help the rights of blacks. Lincoln influenced by Douglass,
continued to see the problems with slavery and realizes that a war has to be fought for the
freedom of the black race. The anger and strength that Douglass had, helped Lincoln understand
his point of view and Lincoln tried his best to abolish slavery as quick as he can.
"Ordinances of Secession." Index. Web. 15 May 2011.
<http://www.constitution.org/csa/ordinances_secession.htm>.
Biswas, Currier, Ugelow 9
The ordinances of secession give vital insight into what each state cites as the causes of
individual secession showing how secession is directly linked to the election of 1860.
"Party Division in the Senate, 1789-Present." U.S. Senate. Federal Government. Web. 8 May 2011.
<http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/history/one_item_and_teasers/partydiv.htm>.
This government site uses charts to show the party division in the senate. In the 1860 election
the senate went from 38 Democratic seats, 26 Republican seats and 2 American, to a Republican
majority of 31, Democratic minority of 15, and 3 Unionist seats (1 vacant seat). However, the
latter senate has 16 less seats than the former because of the secession of the Confederate
states.
"Party Divisions of the House of Representatives (1789 to Present)." Office of the Clerk: U.S. House of
Representatives. Federal Government. Web. 8 May 2011.
<http://artandhistory.house.gov/house_history/partyDiv.aspx>.
This site shows the party division in the House of Representatives. Prior to the election of 1860
the house majority was already Republicans, as it had been since the election of 1858. In the
election it actually decreased from 116 to 108, while Democrat representation decreased from
83 to 44, nearly cut in half. Other parties were Opposition (19), Anti-Lecompton Democrats (8),
Independent Democrats (7), and Americans (5), which became Unionists (26), Constitutional
Unionists (2), Unions (2), and Independent Democrat (1). The total number of representatives
went from 238 to 183.
Schweikart, Larry, and Michael Allen. "American's Pivotal Election: 1860." A Patriot's History of the
United States. New York: Penguin Group, 2004. 295-98. Print.
Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen are history professors of the universities of Dayton and
Washington respectively. Their article is significant as it supplies a unique perspective into the
pre-election atmosphere surrounding the nominations of the candidates, and the eventual
election. Due to the national conventions instead of primaries, voting had become a two-party
affair. At the same time, Democratic party discipline had been crumbling over ideological views
of slavery. These two critical changes opened the doorway for a Republican president.
Storey, Margaret M. "Civil War Unionists and the Political Culture of Loyalty in Alabama." Journal of
Souther History (2003): 71. Power Search. Web. 29 May 2011
This article gives insight into the climate of the south preceding and following Lincoln’s election.
The level of Yankee and northern hate among many southerners makes it evident little could be
done to sway the opinions and ferver of the south.
Sundquist, James L. Dynamics of the Party System Alignment and Realignment of Political Parties in the
United States. Washington D.C.: Brookings Institution, 1983. Google Books. Web. 8 May 2011.
<http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=tAw1GiHjQwgC&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=1860+pol
itical+realignment&ots=kBh_FNWqih&sig=pg8Y2GKF>.
Biswas, Currier, Ugelow 10
James L. Sundquist is senior fellow emeritus in the Governmental Studies program at Brookings,
and the author of numerous books. His book provides insight into the political realignment
surrounding 1860. In 1858 the Democrats lost 40% of their northern seats in the house so that
northern Republicans outnumbers northern democrats three to one, showing the increasing
sectionalism. Sundquist also explains that the political realignment from Democratic to
Republican occurred state by state due to local circumstance, rather than as a national whole.
The Tennessee State Museum, “Election of 1860 Candidates” date of last update not known.
Tennessee4me. 5/7/11.
http://www.tn4me.org/sapage.cfm/sa_id/31/era_id/5/major_id/5/minor_id/1/a_id/2
This page of the website shows the 4 candidates of the election of 1860 and lets me get a
better sense of the people who were running. Lincoln was the republican opposed to slavery.
Stephen Douglas for the northern democrats – asked for each state to vote about slavery.
John Breckinridge for the southern democrats – wanted the spread of slavery. John Bell who
was just for the constitutional Union and which only recognizes the constitution
"The War Begins! Fort Sumter." Civil War Home. Web. 08.
<http://www.civilwarhome.com/ftsumter.htm>.
This site gives insight into the attack on Fort Sumter, and how Lincoln responds. This provides
essential information on Lincoln’s first crisis in office, how he responds, which prompts four
more states to secede from the union.
University of Virginia. "Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)." Miller Center of Public Affairs. University of
Virginia. Web. 1 May 2011. <http://millercenter.org/president/lincoln/essays/biography/4>.
This article provides perspective into other results from Lincoln’s election than the war. Because
of the realignment in government with the election of a republican president, new policies
were created that were a complete turnabout from the previous direction of the government,
including the national banking system, protective tariffs, the draft, martial law, the homestead
act, and any consideration of emancipation.
Ushistory.org. "The Election of 1860." U.S. History Online Textbook. 2011. Web.
<http://www.ushistory.org/us/32d.asp>.
This article tells how each different party decided to nominate their candidate. The Democratic
Party split into two separate parties because of their difference of opinion on the issue of
slavery. Northern democrats wanted to nominate Stephen Douglas because they thought he
had the best chance of beating the republicans. Southern democrats did not agree with this as
they disliked Douglas because he agreed to allow states to choose to not have slavery and
therefore nominated their own candidate, John C. Breckinridge. The Republican Party needed
to nominate a candidate that could win the majority of the Electoral College. They chose to
nominate Lincoln because he had become a national known figure through his debates with
Douglas. The fourth party was the Constitutional party who nominated John Bell and hoped to
win by taking no stand on the issue of slavery and keeping everything moderate. Although this
source has no stated author it is part of a trusted government website.
Biswas, Currier, Ugelow 11
Walsh, Kenneth T. "The Most Consequential Elections in History: Abraham Lincoln and the Election of
1860." US News. 23 July 2008. Web.
<http://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2008/07/23/abraham-lincoln-and-theelection-of-1860>.
This article explains why the election of Abraham Lincoln was so important to American history.
It explains Lincoln’s view on slavery to disallow slavery in new territories. This angered slave
owners as they would not compromise. Douglas, his opponent, believed slavery should be
continued in states it already existed in. Once Lincoln was elected he spoke about these key
issues in his inaugural address. He told the south that the issue of slavery was in their hands and
not in his. Kenneth T. Walsh has written for many trusted magazines and is now the chief white
house correspondent for U.S. news making an article written by him reliable.
Zinn, Howard. A people’s history of the United States 1492-Present. New York: Harper Perennial, 1995
A chapter of this book titled “Slavery without submission, Emancipation without freedom, tells
the story of the most influential abolitionists and what they did. Also it illustrates the problems
with slavery and opinions from many. But what Abraham Lincoln did that no one else could do is
take the problems of slavery and carefully incorporate them into politics so that his ideas
seemed democratic but did take the problems seriously. It tells how after Lincoln was elected,
the north and the south differed in opinion of elites. The north wanted more economic
expansion such as tariffs but the south thought that this would disrupt their way of living.
Because of this, seven southern states separated from the Union.