Election of 1860
Who was involved?
The main individuals involved in the 1860 presidential election were:
- Abraham Lincoln: The Republican candidate who opposed the expansion of slavery.
- Stephen A. Douglas: The Northern Democratic candidate who supported popular sovereignty.
- John C. Breckinridge: The Southern Democratic candidate who endorsed the protection of slavery in the territories.
- John Bell: The candidate from the Constitutional Union Party who aimed to preserve the Union. Additionally, various political parties, groups advocating for states' rights, and citizens with differing views on slavery and the future of the Union were significantly involved.
What happened?
The 1860 election concluded with Abraham Lincoln winning the presidency with a majority of electoral votes but with a significant amount of sectional division. His victory prompted fears in the Southern states that he would try to abolish slavery. As a result, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union shortly after the election, leading other Southern states to follow suit. This pivotal event further intensified the existing sectional tensions and set the stage for the Civil War.
Where did the event take place?
The election took place across the United States, with voting occurring in all the states, but key decisions, political strategies, and public reactions prominently unfolded in the North and South, especially in major cities such as Chicago (Lincoln's base) and Charleston (a Southern hub).
When did the event take place?
The presidential election was held on November 6, 1860. Lincoln was inaugurated on March 4, 1861, and South Carolina seceded from the Union shortly thereafter on December 20, 1860.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
The 1860 election significantly impacted Georgia, as it was a slave state with deep-rooted ties to the institution of slavery. The election results and Lincoln's presidency heightened fears of an abolitionist agenda, pushing prominent figures in Georgia to advocate for secession. Following South Carolina's lead, Georgia seceded from the Union on January 19, 1861. This marked a critical point in the state's history, leading to its involvement in the Civil War and the subsequent ramifications of that conflict for the South, including issues of slavery, governance, and reconstruction. Understanding this event is essential for grasping Georgia’s role in U.S. history during a time of great social and political upheaval.