Topic 5.7 - Election of 1860 and Secession

Describe the effects of Lincoln's election

John Brown’s Raid at Harper’s Ferry (1859)

Brown (an abolitionist) led a small band of followers, including his 4 sons and some former slaves, to attack the federal arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, VA

The Election of 1860

Key Points:

Breakup of the Democratic Party - Sen. Douglas’ nomination for the presidency was blocked by Southerners; Democrats held a 2nd convention in Baltimore nominating Douglas; Southern Dems broke off and held their own convention (nominated Vice President John Breckinridge)

Republicans nominated Abraham Lincoln (which Southern radicals warned would cause them to leave the Union)

Lincoln wins with 59 percent of the electoral votes (but only 39.8% of the popular vote). This stokes Southern fears that the North would dominate the federal government (and thereby eliminate slavery)

Secession of the Deep South

• December 1860 - a special convention in South Carolina votes unanimously to secede

• Within 6 weeks, 6 more states vote for secession (Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas

• February 1861 - Confederate States of America are created

  • Elected president and vice president were Jefferson Davis and Alexander Stephens respectively

Crittenden Compromise

Senator John Crittenden (Kentucky) proposed a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to hold slaves in all territories south of the old Missouri Compromise line.

Constitutional Union Party

Formed during the election of 1860 from a group of former Whigs, Know-Nothings and moderate Democrats. The party nominated John Bell of Tennessee. Platform was preservation of the Union/enforcement of the laws and Constitution.