Heimler's History: The Election of 1860 and Its Aftermath

Introduction

• Focus on growing tensions in the United States over slavery leading to the Civil War.
• Previous discussion on the failure of compromise and how disunion was not inevitable.
• Current focus: The Election of 1860 and its impact.

The Election of 1860

Key Question

• What were the effects of the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860?

Political Context

• Republican party gained strength in midterm congressional elections.
• Southern Democrats worried about the Republican influence.

Candidates and Platforms

• Democrats:
  • Stephen Douglas (Kansas-Nebraska Act): Advocated for popular sovereignty to decide on slavery.
  • John Breckinridge: Wanted federal protection of slavery in territories, states to decide later.
• Republicans:
  • Abraham Lincoln: Ran on a Free Soil platform, opposing the expansion of slavery into new territories, not abolition where it existed.

Election Outcome

• Lincoln won with 40% of popular vote but secured the electoral college without any Southern votes.
• Significance: Demonstrated the South’s lack of power to influence national elections.
• Lincoln’s stance: No interference with slavery where it existed, but end to its expansion.

Secession

Southern Reaction

• Fear of Northern political dominance and abolitionist agenda following John Brown's raid.
• December 1860: South Carolina seceded; followed by six other states (Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana).
• Later joined by Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina, forming the Confederate States of America.

Confederate Constitution

• Modeled on U.S. Constitution but limited federal power and protected slavery.

Reasons for Secession

Arguments Presented

• States argued secession primarily to protect slavery.

Examples

• Texas: Claimed Lincoln's election threatened racial hierarchy and opposed "equality of all men."
• South Carolina: Focused on constitutional rights violations due to anti-slavery sentiments.
• Mississippi: Stated identity tied to slavery.

Confederate Leadership Views

• Jefferson Davis (Confederate President) omitted slavery in inaugural speech.
• Alexander Stephens (Vice President) emphasized racial supremacy and slavery as the Confederacy's foundation in the Cornerstone Speech.

Conclusion

• The primary driver for secession was the protection of slavery as evidenced by the states’ own declarations.

Closing Thoughts

• Encouragement to continue studying Unit 5 for examination preparation.
• Encouragement to subscribe for more educational content.