The Election of 1860 Secessionitis

Focus Question Explain whether you should support a candidate from your party whom you disagree with.

Objectives After today’s lesson, you will: Outline the stances of the four candidates in 1860 Describe the impact of the election of 1860

Election of 1860 Events of the 1850s led the nation on the Road to Disunion – Compromise of 1850 – Fugitive Slave Act/Personal Liberty Laws – Kansas-Nebraska Act – Dred Scott Decision – John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry What next?

Election of 1860 Nation was at a tipping point – Democratic Party split Stephen Douglas lost Southern support Could not make a nomination at their convention – Republicans nominate Lincoln in a compromise

Four Way Race Northern Democrats nominated Douglas (IL) Southern Democrats nominated John C. Breckinridge (KY), Vice President Republicans nominated Lincoln (IL) Border state Whigs formed a new party, nominated John Bell of Tennessee

The Slavery Issue The Key Differences were about slavery: – Stephen Douglas – Popular Sovereignty – John C. Breckinridge – Protect Slavery – Abraham Lincoln – Prevent the spread of Slavery – John Bell – Preserve the Union

Results Electorate Split PARTYCANDIDATEPOPULAR VOTE ELECTORAL VOTE REPUBLICANABRAHAM LINCOLN 1,876,000 (39.8%) 180 NORTHERN DEMOCRAT STEPHEN DOUGLAS 1,375,000 (29.5%) 12 SOUTHERN DEMOCRAT JOHN BRECKINRIDGE 848,000 (18.1%) 72 CONSTITUTIONAL UNION JOHN BELL590,000 (12.6%) 39

Summary In a short, 2-3 sentence response, describe the debate during the election of 1860.