During the Election of 1860, Abraham Lincoln's stance on slavery can be characterized as follows:
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Opposition to the Expansion of Slavery: Lincoln was firmly opposed to the spread of slavery into the new territories and states. He believed that while slavery was a deeply entrenched institution in the Southern states, it should not be allowed to expand further into the West.
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Preservation of the Union: Lincoln emphasized the importance of preserving the Union and believed that the conflict over slavery was a significant threat to national unity. His main goal was to keep the United States united, even if it meant tolerating slavery where it already existed.
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Personal Views Against Slavery: Although Lincoln's personal views on racial equality were complex and evolved over time, he had expressed opposition to the moral wrongness of slavery.
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Moderate Approach: Lincoln's platform was more moderate compared to abolitionist positions, as he aimed to attract a broad coalition of voters, including those who were not necessarily abolitionists. He advocated for preventing slavery's expansion rather than immediately abolishing it in the states where it already existed.
Overall, Lincoln's stance during the Election of 1860 can be summarized as a commitment to preventing the extension of slavery while upholding the Union, reflecting the political realities and sentiments of his time.