The Election of 1860 was won by Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was not expected to win but since the Democrats had multiple candidates the "southern vote" was divided and weakened. Many southern states did not even allow Lincoln's name to appear on voting ballots. With Lincoln elected president, the South realized they would never again have equal power in Congress and saw the threat to their way of life. 

1. Who were the candidates in the Election of 1860?

As a result of Lincoln's election, southern states decided to secede and leave the Union (the United States). They formed the Confederate States of America also known as "The Confederacy", "The South", and Dixieland.

The South, called upon the idea of states' rights and believed that since they voluntarily joined the United States, they also had the right to leave. Southern states were no longer going to be a part of a Union that did not seek to benefit their interests. South Carolina would be the first state to secede (Didn't see that coming! Or did we?)

2. Upon Lincoln's election what did Southern states decide to do?

3. Why did the South believe they had the right to secede?

The seceding states established themselves as the Confederate States of America and elected Jefferson Davis as its president.

4. Who did the South elect as their President? What did the seceding states call their country?

In Lincoln's First Inaugural Address, he told the seceding states that he had no intention on letting them secede and they were violating the law and Constitution. He pleaded with the South to stay in the Union; to remain united, however it had no effect. A Civil War was coming soon!

5. What was Lincoln's response to the secession of the South?

6. What event was soon to occur following the secession of the South?