Pre-Civil War Political Tensions and Events

Violent Turn in American Politics: The pre-Civil War era is characterized by violence rather than mere ideological debates.

• Examples of this violence include Bleeding Kansas and John Brown's raid in Harpers Ferry.
• Preston Brooks' caning of Senator Charles Sumner exemplifies the physical aggression in political disagreements.

Polarized Views: By December 1859, the North and South both see each other as fanatical and aggressive, viewing their opposites as un-American.

• The rise of sectionalism is evident with political parties reflecting regional interests.
• The decline of the Whig Party and emergence of the Republicans indicates a shift to a sectional party.

Christianity and Slavery: Southern slaveholders begin using the Bible to justify slavery, arguing historical figures like Abraham had slaves.

• This religious justification reflects a significant cultural divide as churches split over slavery, leading to factions like the Southern Methodists and Southern Baptists.

Political Divisions: The 1860 election showcases the stark divide between a sectional Republican party and a national Democratic party.

• William Yancey, a southern Democrat, advocates for secession and strict protections for slavery.
• Stephen Douglas, in contrast, represents moderate views, supporting popular sovereignty but facing limitations from decisions like Dred Scott.

Election Tensions: The Democratic convention initially cannot agree on a candidate due to deep divisions over slavery.

• Southern Democrats withdraw in protest, leading to significant fragmentation of the party.
• Ultimately, Stephen Douglas is nominated by remaining delegates.

Republican Strategy: The Republican convention seeks to broaden their appeal, introducing candidates with diverse viewpoints, including Abraham Lincoln.

• Lincoln opposes slavery's extension into new territories but is not an outright abolitionist. He believes Congress should not interfere with slavery in existing slave states.
• His political platform emphasizes the preservation of the union and economic expansion policies.

Constitutional Union Party: Formed by moderates seeking to avoid the contentious issue of slavery while emphasizing the preservation of the Union.

• Their ambiguous stance on slavery reflects the deep divisions PLaguing American politics at this time.

Lincoln's Election Impact: Lincoln's election terrifies the South, prompting immediate secession actions beginning with South Carolina on December 20, 1860.

• Southern states express fears of Lincoln's anti-slavery agenda and the implications for the cotton economy.
• Buchanan's ineffective leadership creates a leadership vacuum during this critical time.

Secession and Confederate Formation: Following South Carolina, six additional Southern states secede from the Union by February 1861.

• Despite variations in their secession ordinances, the primary cause of secession remains the protection and preservation of slavery.
• The Confederate States constitution guarantees the institution of slavery, rejecting any notion of popular sovereignty.
• The newly formed Confederate government elects Jefferson Davis as president, who holds a moderate view towards secession despite becoming the face of the Confederacy.

Final Notes: Political turmoil and violent acts foreshadow the larger conflicts of the Civil War. As political identities become more entrenched, the nation spirals towards disunion, distinctly polarized around the issues of slavery and states' rights.