As the country expanded, it developed into sections with distinct economic and cultural characteristics. The sections took different positions on key political issues of the day. Westward expansion escalated the debate over a key sectional issue – whether or not slavery should be extended into the new territories.
The Road to War: The Election of 1860
Background Information:
The election of 1860 was a pivotal time in American History. The country was in turmoil. Unable to reach consensus, the Democratic Party splintered along geographic lines, and the Republican Party emerged in the wake of the Whigs. Southern leaders emerged ready to defend their right to secede. The nation was deeply divided on the issues of slavery, state rights and self-determination. The winner of the election had a daunting task ahead. He would lead the country either to a peaceful resolution or to a bitter civil war. This unit is designed to give
students a better understanding of how the country chose its next leader.
Based on your prior knowledge, predict the role that the slavery issue played in the election of 1860.
Identify specific events, legislation, etc. to justify your position.
Meet the Candidates
Republican
National Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, May 16-18, 1860
Presidential: Abraham Lincoln, former Representative from Illinois
Vice-Presidential: Hannibal Hamlin, Former governor and current Senator from Maine.
Biography: Lincoln was a former Whig, a member of the House of Representatives from 1847 – 1849 where he opposed the Mexican War. He held a law practice in Springfield, Illinois after leaving office. He ran for United States Senate on the Republican ticket in 1858, against incumbent Stephen Douglas, taking part in the now famous “Lincoln-Douglas Debates.” He lost the election, but gained national recognition.
Slavery: Opposed the spread of slavery in any form to the new territories.
Democrat
National Convention held in Charleston, South Carolina on April 23, 1860, then again in Baltimore, Maryland on June 18, 1860
Presidential: Stephen Douglas, Senator from Illinois
Vice-Presidential: Herschel Vespasian Johnson, Former Governor of Georgia
Biography: Douglas held United States Senate seat since 1847, supporting both the expansion of the United States to include the entire continent and the Mexican War. In 1858, he was opposed by Lincoln. The two held seven nationally-covered debates across the state of Illinois. Douglas retained the seat.
Slavery: Wanted the people of the territories to be able to decide for themselves whether or not they wanted slavery.
Constitutional Union
National Convention held in Baltimore on May 9, 1860
Presidential: John Bell, former Senator from Tennessee
Vice-Presidential: Edward Everett, former Senator and Gov of Massachusetts, former Secretary of State.
Biography: Bell began his career first a democrat and then a Whig, was a member of the House of Representatives, Secretary of State, and Senator from Tennessee. Voted against the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
Slavery: As per party line, would not state whether for or against the spread of slavery – only wanted to keep the Union intact.
Democrat
Convention held in Baltimore on June 18, 1860 after split with main Democrat Party
Presidential: John Breckinridge, Vice President of the US, from Kentucky
Vice-Presidential: Joseph Lane, Senator from Oregon
Biography: Democratic member of the House of Representatives, became President Buchanan’s Vice President, the youngest to hold the office, at age 35. He was nominated for president by the Southern Democrats, having split from the main Democrat Party. Endorsed by President Buchanan.
Slavery: Wished to ensure that slaveholders could own slaves in new territories.
TASK: Research each candidate. Include their stance on slavery, the expansion of slavery, and other important information. Knowing what you know about the causes of the Civil War so far (Sectional Issues) where do you think each of these candidates would be popular. You can do this on your own, or get in a group and divide the candidates up. If can write your findings in a list form or if you are feeling artistic you can create a campaign poster for the candidates or create Trading Cards using this site.
Then
Look at the results and determine why you think Lincoln won?