Key Events Leading Up to Lincoln's Presidency and the Civil War

Election Night

• Lincoln's Anxiety: Restless on election day; fears disappointment.
• Election Results: At midnight, New York goes Republican, confirming Lincoln’s win.
• Public Reaction: Church bells ring, people gather in streets.
• Lincoln's Reaction: Runs home to tell Mary, famously says, "Mary, Mary, we are elected."

Southern States' Response

• Secession Threats: Southern states threaten to secede if Lincoln is elected.
• South Carolina: Holds a secession convention in Dec 1860 and leaves the Union.

Early Secession and Confederate Formation

• Feb 1861: Seven states secede, form the Confederate government with Jefferson Davis as president.
• Reason for Secession: Preservation and expansion of slavery.

Lincoln's Optimism and Journey to Washington

• Lincoln's Optimism: Believes Southern states could be brought back into the Union.
• Journey Begins: Starts on Feb 11, 1861.
• Dangerous Route: Avoids Kentucky and Virginia due to safety concerns, takes a long 1,900-mile route.
• Public Reception: Mixed feelings of hope and fear; credible assassination threats.

Assassination Threats and Plot

• Assassination Plot: Intelligence of a massive conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln in Baltimore.
• Plot Mechanics: Conspirators identified by red dots, planning to use guns, knives, and grenades.
• Allan Pinkerton: Railroad detective infiltrates the conspiracy.
• Overnight Train: Special train arranged with telegraph lines cut to avoid detection.
• Lincoln's Disguise: Travels in secret, wearing a disguise, arrives in Washington at 6:00 AM.

Public and Media Reaction

• Press Ridicule: Media mocks Lincoln's disguise, depicting him in kilts, hurting his public image.
• Frederick Douglass' Comment: Remarks that Lincoln now knows what it’s like to travel on the Underground Railroad.

Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address

• Anticipation: African Americans hopeful for the end of slavery.
• Main Points: Strong but non-threatening tone aimed to stop secession.
  • Assures protection of federal forts and armories.
  • Promises to enforce the Fugitive Slave Law.
  • Appeals for unity and friendship.
• William Seward’s Influence: Contributes to the speech, especially the poetic ending.

Speech Highlights

• Key Phrases:
  • "We are not enemies, but friends."
  • "The mystic chords of memory...by the better angels of our nature."