American Civil War 1861-1865
By 1860, Congress are in a “extreme northern” position, advocating for the abolition of slavery and intensifying regional tensions that contributed to the onset of the Civil War.
The Supreme Court fell into a popular sovereignty position that further complicated the debate over slavery, leading to significant conflict over whether new territories would permit the practice.
in the election of 1860
Stephen Douglas (northern democrats) believed in popular sovereignty
John c breckinridge(southern democrats) advocated for the protection of slavery in the territories, highlighting the deep divisions within the Democratic Party.
Abraham Lincoln (Republican): He emerged as a strong candidate championing the anti-slavery movement, which ultimately triggered the secession of several Southern states. He was not an abolitionist.
for this election only we have a new party (Constitutional Union) created to keep the union together under the party banner, focusing on compromise and unity to avert civil conflict between the North and South.
John Bell (Constitutional Union Party)
abraham lincoln won the popular vote by a significant margin, securing 39.8% of the total votes, while his main opponents, Stephen A. Douglas and John Bell, garnered 29.5% and 12.6% respectively.
Lincoln also won the electoral college especially in the north and california and oregon.
This victory enabled him to secure the presidency, but it also deepened the divisions between the North and South, ultimately leading to the secession of several Southern states like south carolina who vote to succeed as soon as lincoln was elected.
In total, 7 states voted to leave the union when lincoln was elected (deep south states + Texas)
This secession marked the beginning of the Civil War, as tensions escalated over issues such as states' rights and slavery. In response, the Confederate States of America were formed, with Jefferson Davis as their president, further solidifying the split between the two regions.
The secession of these states prompted President Lincoln to call for federal troops to suppress the rebellion, which in turn led to the first shots being fired at Fort Sumter in April 1861, signaling the start of the conflict.
The war would last for four long years, characterized by significant battles such as Gettysburg and Antietam, as well as landmark events like the Emancipation Proclamation, which shifted the war's focus toward ending slavery.
Fort Sumter
April 12-13,1861, South Carolina invades Fort Sumter and federal troops evade.
First shots of the American Civil War
after these events, 4 additional states secede from the union.
Sucession
Creates the confederate states of america
11 states total
Capital: Richmond, Virginia
Key Figures: Jefferson Davis - President of the Confederacy
The Confederate government was modeled after the United States government but emphasized states' rights.
Confederate advantages
Military leaderships was notably strong, with figures like Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson leading their forces effectively against Union troops.
Economic resources were initially robust, benefiting from agriculture, particularly cotton, which was a vital export.