The Tipping Point: How Lincoln's Election Led to Secession and Civil War

The 1860 Presidential Election and its Consequences

Welcome back to Heimler’s History, where we've been delving into Unit 5 of the AP U.S. History curriculum, focusing on the intensifying conflict over slavery in the United States. After discussing the failure of compromise in our last session, today we're diving into the 1860 election, an event that led directly to secession and the Civil War.

Understanding Lincoln's Victory

The central question we're addressing today is: What were the effects of Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860? The Republican Party, having performed well in the midterm congressional elections, nominated Abraham Lincoln, who campaigned on a free soil platform. This platform aimed to prevent the expansion of slavery into new territories, rather than abolishing it where it already existed. Lincoln’s intention to leave slavery untouched in the Southern states was clear, yet his election still provoked deep unease.

The Divided Democratic Party

The Democratic Party, meanwhile, was split. The northern Democrats, led by Stephen Douglas, supported popular sovereignty to decide on slavery in new territories. The southern Democrats, represented by John Breckinridge, wanted a federal slave code to protect slavery in new territories until they became states. This division weakened their position considerably.

The Electoral Divide

Lincoln won the presidency with 40% of the popular vote, sweeping the electoral votes of the Northern states but not receiving a single electoral vote from the South. This stark electoral map signaled an ominous future for Southern states, as it demonstrated their lack of influence even in vital political decisions.

The Southern States' Reaction

Despite Lincoln's assurances, Southern states focused on his opposition to the expansion of slavery, interpreting it as a threat to their way of life and political power. Consequently, South Carolina led the charge by seceding from the Union in December 1860, before Lincoln's inauguration, followed by six others, eventually forming the Confederate States of America with a constitution that enshrined slavery as a permanent institution.

The Core Issue of Secession

The debate over the reasons for Southern secession continues to this day, with some claiming it was over states' rights and others insisting it was to protect slavery. However, the secession declarations made by the states themselves point overwhelmingly to the preservation of slavery as the primary cause. Texas, South Carolina, and Mississippi, among others, made explicit references to slavery in their articles of secession.

Confederacy’s Cornerstone

Jefferson Davis, the Confederacy's president, might have avoided mentioning slavery in his inauguration speech, but his vice president, Alexander Stephens, made it clear in his Cornerstone Speech that the Confederacy's foundation was the belief in white supremacy and the perpetuation of slavery.

Conclusion

While there are nuances to the argument, the Southern states' own words highlight that the protection of slavery was the definitive factor for their departure from the Union. The election of 1860, therefore, marked a turning point in American history, setting the stage for the bloody conflict that would become the Civil War.

Heimler's History encourages further exploration of this critical moment in history, offering insights and educational resources for students aiming to excel in their AP U.S. History courses and exams. For a deeper understanding of the election of 1860 and its aftermath, watch the full video here.