the election of 1860

The Democratic National Convention of 1860

  • Date & Location: April 1860 in Charleston, South Carolina.

  • Context: The Democrats were in turmoil regarding the selection of their presidential candidate.

Northern vs. Southern Democrats

  • Northern Democrats: Supported Stephen Douglas, believing he had the best chance against the Republicans.

  • Southern Democrats: Viewed Douglas as a traitor due to his backing of popular sovereignty, which allowed territories to choose if they would permit slavery.

    • Ultimately, Southern Democrats rejected Douglas and left the convention without a candidate.

Separate Conventions and Nominations

  • Northern Democrats: Six weeks post-convention, chose Stephen Douglas as their candidate.

  • Southern Democrats: Held a separate convention where they nominated Vice President John C. Breckinridge.

Republican Strategy and Candidate Selection

  • Republican Convention: Met in Chicago in May 1860, recognizing the Democrats' internal divisions as an opportunity for success.

  • Objective: Needed a candidate who could secure victories in key northern states: New Jersey, Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.

  • Final Candidate: Abraham Lincoln emerged as the Republican nominee after the third ballot.

    • Lincoln's Background: He symbolized the values of hard work, self-reliance, and the American dream, bolstered by his famous debates with Douglas which raised his national profile.

Other Nominations

  • Constitutional Union Party: Formed by moderate politicians who aimed for a neutral stance on divisive issues. Nominated John Bell from Tennessee, a wealthy slaveholder.

The 1860 Presidential Election Results

  • Candidates: Four candidates participated in the election; results showed a split electoral college.

    • **Results: ** Lincoln (40% popular vote, 180 electoral votes), Breckinridge (green states), Bell (orange states), Douglas (brown states).

    • Despite Lincoln's victory, 60% of voters opted for other candidates.

Aftermath of the Election

  • Southern Reaction: Immediate aftermath raised concerns about acceptance of the election outcome.

  • Secession: A few weeks later, South Carolina seceded from the Union, marking the beginning of a larger crisis.

The South Seceded

  • Thanks to the result of the elections, South Carolina called a convention to secede from the Union. Many other states joined and they formed the Confederacy.