Explain why many people were worried by Lincoln’s victory in the 1860 presidential election.
Level
AS Level
Year Examined
2023
Topic
The origins of the Civil War, 1820–61
👑Complete Model Essay
Explain why many people were worried by Lincoln’s victory in the 1860 presidential election.
Why Were People Worried by Lincoln's Victory in the 1860 Presidential Election?
The 1860 presidential election of Abraham Lincoln sent shockwaves through the United States, ultimately serving as a catalyst for the Civil War. While abolitionists in the North largely welcomed his victory, it was seen as a harbinger of disaster for slave-owning Southerners. Lincoln's victory, achieved despite receiving less than 40% of the popular vote, highlighted the deep sectional divisions in the country and intensified anxieties surrounding slavery, states' rights, and the future of the Union.
Sectionalism and the Four-Way Race
The 1860 election was extraordinary due to the presence of four major candidates: Abraham Lincoln (Republican), Stephen Douglas (Northern Democrat), John Breckinridge (Southern Democrat), and John Bell (Constitutional Union). This fragmentation of the political landscape reflected the growing sectionalism within the nation. Bell's supporters, in particular, were alarmed by this trend, and Lincoln's victory seemed to confirm their fears. The nation was now sharply divided along geographical lines, with the North largely aligning with Lincoln and the South viewing his presidency as a threat to their way of life.
Northern Reactions: Abolitionism and Immigration
In the North, Lincoln's victory was interpreted as a triumph for the abolitionist movement. His rise from relative obscurity to secure the Republican nomination over established figures like William Seward was significant. Lincoln's more moderate stance on immigration also played a crucial role in his victory, particularly in crucial states like Pennsylvania. Republicans recognized that winning Pennsylvania was essential for securing the electoral college, and Lincoln's stance resonated with voters concerned about the impact of immigration.
Southern Reactions: Secession and the Defense of Slavery
The South's reaction to Lincoln's victory was swift and severe. The possibility of a Republican president, particularly one who had spoken out against the expansion of slavery, was unacceptable to many Southerners. The idea of secession, previously a fringe concept, quickly gained traction. South Carolina led the way, seceding from the Union on December 20, 1860, just weeks after Lincoln's election. Other Southern states soon followed suit, driven by fears that Lincoln's administration would threaten their economic interests and the very institution of slavery.
Conclusion
Abraham Lincoln's victory in the 1860 presidential election was a watershed moment in American history. While celebrated by abolitionists and many in the North, it was met with fear and anger in the South. The election exposed the profound sectional divisions within the nation, exacerbated by the issue of slavery. The anxieties and reactions triggered by Lincoln's election ultimately culminated in the secession of Southern states and the outbreak of the Civil War.
Sources:
Foner, Eric. "The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery." W. W. Norton & Company, 2011.
McPherson, James M. "Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era." Oxford University Press, 1988.
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Introduction
Briefly introduce the context of the 1860 election and Lincoln's victory. Mention the rising sectional tensions and the significance of slavery as a dividing issue. State that Lincoln's win, while celebrated by some, sparked widespread fear and ultimately contributed to the secession crisis.
Lincoln's Victory and the Electoral System
Explain the mechanics of the Electoral College and how Lincoln won despite receiving less than 40% of the popular vote. Highlight that his support was heavily concentrated in the North, raising concerns among Southerners about their lack of political voice within the Union.
The Four-Way Race and Sectionalism
Discuss the unusual nature of the 1860 election with four major candidates representing different factions and ideologies. Focus on how the candidacies of Douglas, Breckinridge, and Bell highlighted the growing sectional divide. Explain how Lincoln's win, seen as a victory for the more radical Republican Party, intensified fears of disunion, especially among Constitutional Unionists who advocated for compromise and preservation of the Union.
Northern Reactions: Abolitionism and Immigration
Analyze the diverse reactions to Lincoln's victory in the North. Acknowledge the celebrations among abolitionists who saw it as a step toward ending slavery. However, also mention the anxieties related to immigration, particularly regarding Lincoln's stance on the issue and its impact on the outcome in key states like Pennsylvania.
Southern Fears: Secession and the Defense of Slavery
Detail the immediate and strong reactions in the South to Lincoln's victory. Emphasize the widespread fear that Lincoln's administration would threaten the institution of slavery, their primary economic and social system. Explain how this fear quickly escalated into discussions and actions regarding secession, culminating in South Carolina's decision to leave the Union.
Conclusion
Summarize the reasons why Lincoln's victory was met with widespread worry and apprehension. Reiterate that the election exposed the deep-seated sectional divisions within the United States and served as a catalyst for the secession crisis and ultimately the Civil War.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Why Many Were Worried by Lincoln's Victory in 1860
The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, though a victory for abolitionists in the North, was met with widespread anxiety and fear in the South. While Lincoln won the electoral college, he secured less than 40% of the popular vote, a testament to the deeply divided political landscape of the time.
The election was unusual, featuring four major candidates: Lincoln (Republican), Douglas (Democratic), Breckenridge (Democratic South), and Bell (Constitutional Union). Supporters of Bell, in particular, were alarmed by the rising sectionalism in American politics. Lincoln's victory seemed to confirm their fears, exacerbating the already tense relationship between North and South.
In the North, Lincoln's victory was celebrated as a triumph for the abolitionist movement. Lincoln, a relatively unknown figure, had risen to prominence and secured the Republican nomination over William Seward. This victory was also tied to issues surrounding immigration. The Republicans understood the importance of Pennsylvania in securing the electoral college, and Lincoln's more muted stance on immigration resonated better with the state's voters.
The South's reaction to Lincoln's victory varied in intensity, but one thing was certain: the election sparked conversations about secession. This culminated with South Carolina becoming the first state to leave the Union on December 20th, 1860.