The Election of Abraham Lincoln: How It Changed American History?

The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was a watershed moment in American history, changing forever the political and social landscape of the nation. Coming at a time when the nation was divided over slavery and states’ rights, Lincoln’s ascent to the presidency as the first Republican symbolized a move towards national unity and moral purpose.

 His election would not only precipitate secession by Southern states, but would also culminate in the American Civil War, which would determine the fate of the Union and freedom. Lincoln’s election was more than just an election: it was a watershed moment that fundamentally altered the nation’s values, solidified democracy, and laid the foundations of equality and justice in the United States.

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1860 United States Presidential Election

The 1860 Election is often noted as one of the most important and divisive elections in American history. The election happened on November 6, in the midst of the struggle over slavery and states’ rights. There were four presidential candidates: Abraham Lincoln from the Republicans, Stephen Douglas from the Northern Democrats, John C. Breckinridge from the Southern Democrats, and John Bell from the Constitutional Union Party. 

The Democratic Party had become fractured both in the North and the South, which hindered its strength. Lincoln opposed the spread of slavery into the western territories and received considerable backing from the Northern states. Although Lincoln received less than 50 percent of the popular vote, his election took the South by surprise. Within a few months, several Southern states seceded from the Union and the Civil War began.

Immediate Consequences

The election of 1860 signified the commencement of events that would alter the nation forever. Other than the distraction of a large populace that was fearful of LIncoln's presidency, he victory was seen in the South as a threat to its political power and the institution of slavery, and they were determined to protect these things fiercely.

1. Southern Secession

Not long after Lincloln's victory, Southern leaders began calling for secession. This culminated with the seccession of South Carolina as the first state from the Union in December of 1860. After South Carolina, the states of Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas each followed in succession forming an independent government call the Confederate States of America.

2. A Nation Divided

The secession deepend the differences between North and South; the North sought to preserve the Union, while the South sought to preserve its sovereignty and its slave based economy. It was clear to both sides that they were preparing for a conflict.

3. The Eruption of Civil War

As Lincoln took the oath of office in March 1861, the nation was on the verge of war. The first major battle occurred in April 1861, when Confederate troops attacked Fort Sumter, South Carolina. This event initiated the American Civil War, a conflict that would prove to be violent and determine the fate of the Union as well as the future of freedom in the United States.

Long-Term Impacts: Reshaping the Nation

Abraham Lincoln's election and the subsequent events had a significant impact on the United States politically, socially, and economically.

1. The End of Slavery

One of the most important consequences was the end of slavery. Under Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and eventually the 13th Amendment in 1865, which permanently ended slavery in the United States.

2. The Union Remained Intact

Lincoln's election ensured that the United States would continue as one nation. While Southern states seceded, Lincoln ensured that the federal government preserved the republic and established the limits of states' rights.

3. Political Change

The election of 1860 changed American politics. It solidified the Republican Party in the North while exposing the sectional difference within the Democratic Party, beginning a long series of political realignment.

Conclusion

The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was not simply a political victory, it was a watershed moment that changed America. It provoked Southern secession, spurred on the Civil War, and in the end, it ended slavery, but preserved the Union.