The Election of 1860 & the Road to Disunion #18

What was the main issue dividing North and South leading up to 1860?

The future of slavery in U.S. territories — whether new states should allow slavery.

What act deepened tensions by allowing territories to vote on slavery?

The Kansas–Nebraska Act.

What new political party gained strength by opposing the spread of slavery?

The Republican Party.

Which Supreme Court case further inflamed sectional conflict before 1860?

Which Supreme Court case further inflamed sectional conflict before 1860?

Who was the anti-slavery militant whose actions alarmed the South?

John Brown.

Who won the 1860 U.S. Presidential election?

Abraham Lincoln.

Why did many Southern states decide to secede after the 1860 election?

Because Lincoln won without southern support — Southerners believed they’d lost influence and security for slavery.

What major conflict did the secession of Southern states lead to?

The American Civil War.

Why is the Election of 1860 considered a pivotal turning point in U.S. history?

It transformed political divisions over slavery into full-scale national crisis, leading directly to civil war and national breakup.