1. The Presidential Election of 1860

2. Party Platform Definition
Party Platform: a list of the principles which a political party supports in order to appeal to the general public for the purpose of having said party's candidates voted into office. This often takes the form of a list of support for, or opposition to, controversial topics.

3. The Candidates Republican: Abraham Lincoln From the state of Illinois
He was seen as a moderate
on the issue of slavery and had
the ability to win the vote of
people from the west
-The party focused on Lincoln's life
story, making the most of his
Boyhood poverty, his pioneer
background, his native genius, and
his rise from obscurity to fame
-The party believed that because he had
in-laws with slaves he would have a
connection to the South as well as the
North

4. The Candidates Northern Democrat: Stephen Douglas
Known as the “Little Giant”, from
the state of Illinois
-Voted U.S. Senator from Illinois
-He also had been a congressman
-Led the issue of popular
sovereignty in the
Kansas-Nebraska Territory that
eventually led to “Bleeding Kansas”

5. The Candidates Southern Democrat: John C. Breckinridge
He was elected Vice President of the United States, in 1856, on the Democratic ticket with James Buchanan as President.
He was the youngest Vice President in U.S. history, elected at the age 35
He also was a Kentucky
Representative in the House in 1849

6. The Candidates Constitutional Union: John Bell
Bell served in the United States Congress in both the House of Representatives and Senate
He also was a plantation owner
and a attorney
-He briefly served as Secretary of
War under William Henry Harrison

7. Republican Party Platform
Main Issues to Recognize:
Slavery/Expansion: The party platform clearly stated that slavery would not be allowed to spread any farther
States Rights: That the Federal Constitution, the Rights of the States, and the Union of the States, must and shall be preserved
Popular Sovereignty: Slavery in the territories is dangerous political heresy
Railroads: That a Railroad to the Pacific Ocean is imperatively demanded
Other Topics: They promised that tariffs protecting industry would be imposed
-A law granting free homesteads in the west to settlers was also part of the platform

8. Northern Democrat Political Platform
Main issues to Recognize:
Slavery/Expansion: We will abide by the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States upon these questions of Constitutional Law and say that slavery is legal in the territories
Also will support Fugitive Slave Law
Popular sovereignty: Is acceptable in the territories
States Rights: Endorsed states' rights
Railroad: Also government aid as will insure the construction of a Railroad to the Pacific coast

9. Southern Democrats Political Platform
Main issues to Recognize:
Slavery/Expansion: Preserve Fugitive Slave Law, for expansion into territories
States Rights: Endorsed states' rights
Popular sovereignty: Allowed in territories
People can settle in the territories without losing rights or property ex: slaves
Railroad: Construction of a Pacific Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, at the earliest practicable moment

10. Constitutional Union Main issues to Recognize:
Slavery/Expansion: It is our duty to recognize no political principle other than THE CONSTITUTION OF THE COUNTRY, THE UNION OF THE STATES, AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAWS
They hoped that by failing to take a firm stand either for or against slavery or its extension, the issue could be pushed aside
Popular Sovereignty: Because of the Dred Scott Case slavery was legal in the territories, so popular sovereignty is acceptable
States Rights: Rights of the People and of the States re-established
Railroad: Possibly, but not specifically mentioned
Other Topics: Wanted to avoid disunion over the slavery issue
Wanted to hurt the election of the Republican candidate

11. Results of the Election
Even though winning only 40% of the popular vote and not appearing on ballots in numerous Southern states Abraham Lincoln won the election with electoral votes
The South feared that the issue of slavery would now be put in jeopardy, would he abolish it?
It would soon after lead to the secession of numerous Southern states in protest and the formal declaration of war from the North after the attack on Fort Sumter

12. 1860 Election Results