Election of 1860
Who was involved?
The main candidates in the 1860 Presidential election were:
- Abraham Lincoln (Republican)
- Stephen A. Douglas (Democrat)
- John C. Breckinridge (Southern Democrat)
- John Bell (Constitutional Union)
In Georgia, many prominent political figures were involved in the election, including Governor Joseph E. Brown and various state legislators who were aligned with the different political factions.
What happened?
The election resulted in a significant political division in the United States. Abraham Lincoln won the presidency without carrying a single Southern state, primarily due to the split in the Democratic Party. His election was met with immediate outrage in the Southern states, leading to a series of secessions. Georgia, along with other Southern states, debated its future within the Union and ultimately chose to secede.
Where did the event take place?
The election took place across the United States, but the immediate reactions and political decisions following the election were particularly focused in Southern states such as Georgia. The state capital, Milledgeville, became a central location for discussions on secession.
When did the event take place?
The election was held on November 6, 1860. Following Lincoln’s election, Georgia officially seceded from the Union on January 19, 1861.
Why is this event important to Georgia's history?
The election of 1860 and the resulting secession were critical events in Georgia's history as they marked the beginning of the state's involvement in the Civil War. The election highlighted the tense political atmosphere concerning slavery, states' rights, and the future of the Union. Georgia's decision to secede and join the Confederate States of America set the stage for its significant role in the Civil War, making the election a pivotal moment in shaping Georgia's political landscape, social structures, and economic conditions that would have lasting impacts well beyond the war.
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