5.7+Election+of+1860+&+Secession

Topic 5.7: Election of 1860 and Secession

Effects of Lincoln's Election

  • Lincoln's election in 1860 confirmed Southern fears about the future of slavery and their economic livelihood.

  • Republicans' congressional successes outside Illinois alarmed Southerners, fearing a Northern dominance.

  • The Republican program included higher tariffs benefiting Northern industry but detrimental to the Southern economy reliant on cotton exports.

Road to Secession

  • Southern states felt that a Republican victory threatened their economic and constitutional rights to slavery.

  • The raid by John Brown intensified fears of violent abolitionist movements.

The Election of 1860

Democratic Party Breakdown

  • The Democratic Party was seen as the last hope for a compromise but fell into disarray.

  • Stephen Douglas emerged as the initial candidate, but Southern dissent led to a split:

    • Northern Democrats backed Douglas.

    • Southern Democrats nominated John C. Breckinridge, advocating for the extension of slavery.

  • A new party, the Constitutional Union Party, arose, focusing on preserving the Union and ensuring the enforcement of laws.

Republican Strategy

  • The Republican platform catered to economic interests and sought to exclude slavery from the territories while promoting protective tariffs and land for homesteaders.

  • Nominated Abraham Lincoln, who was regarded as a capable debater and less polarizing than Seward.

Election Results

  • Lincoln won a majority in the electoral vote (180 votes) by carrying all Northern states but received only 39.8% of the popular vote.

  • The outcome projected a North-South divide with growing Southern fears over Northern control of the federal government.

Secession of the Deep South

Immediate Secession Actions

  • Following Lincoln's election, seven Southern states, starting with South Carolina in December 1860, voted to secede.

  • Subsequent states included Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.

Formation of the Confederacy

  • In February 1861, these states formed the Confederate States of America, adopting a constitution similar to the U.S. Constitution but with restrictions on tariffs and slavery.

  • Jefferson Davis was elected as its president.

The Crittenden Compromise

  • Senator John Crittenden proposed a constitutional amendment to protect slavery in territories south of the Missouri Compromise line, but Lincoln opposed it as contrary to Republican principles.

A Nation Divided

Lincoln's Inaugural Address

  • In his inaugural address, Lincoln assured Southern states that he would not interfere with slavery but emphasized the Union's indissolubility.

Fort Sumter

  • Lincoln's decision to send food supplies to Fort Sumter led to its bombardment by South Carolina, marking the start of hostilities on April 12, 1861.

Secession of the Upper South

  • The attack on Fort Sumter prompted Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas to secede and join the Confederacy soon after.

  • The establishment of the Confederate capital in Richmond, Virginia, marked a new phase in the conflict.

Preservation of Border States

Strategic Importance

  • The border states (Delaware, Maryland, Missouri, Kentucky) remained crucial for both military and political reasons.

  • Lincoln enforced federal control in these states to prevent secession and maintain strategic advantages.

Topic 5.7: Election of 1860 and Secession

  • Effects of Lincoln's Election

    • Confirmed Southern fears regarding slavery and economic stability.

    • Republican successes outside Illinois alarmed Southerners.

    • Republican program (higher tariffs) favored Northern industry, harming Southern economy reliant on cotton.

  • Road to Secession

    • Southern states viewed Republican victory as a threat to slavery rights.

    • John Brown's raid heightened fears of abolitionist violence.

  • The Election of 1860

    • Democratic Party Breakdown

      • Party disarray; initial candidate Stephen Douglas faced Southern dissent.

      • Northern Democrats supported Douglas.

      • Southern Democrats nominated John C. Breckinridge (pro-slavery extension).

      • Constitutional Union Party emerged, focusing on Union preservation.

    • Republican Strategy

      • Platform excluded slavery from territories, promoted tariffs and land for homesteaders.

      • Nominated Abraham Lincoln, seen as a capable debater.

    • Election Results

      • Lincoln won 180 electoral votes, only 39.8% of popular vote.

      • Result underscored North-South divide and Southern fears of federal control.

  • Secession of the Deep South

    • Immediate Actions: Seven states, starting with South Carolina in December 1860, voted to secede.

    • Formation of the Confederacy

      • States formed the Confederate States of America in February 1861, adopting a restrictive constitution.

      • Jefferson Davis elected president.

    • The Crittenden Compromise: Proposed amendment to protect slavery south of Missouri Compromise line; rejected by Lincoln.

  • A Nation Divided

    • Lincoln's Inaugural Address: Assured non-interference with slavery, stressed Union's indissolubility.

    • Fort Sumter: Lincoln's supply shipment led to bombardment, marking the conflict's start on April 12, 1861.

    • Secession of the Upper South

      • Attack prompted Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas to secede, establishing the Confederate capital in Richmond.

    • Preservation of Border States

      • Border states (Delaware, Maryland, Missouri, Kentucky) crucial for military and political strategy.

      • Lincoln maintained federal control to prevent their secession.