Heimler’s History: The Election of 1860 and the Onset of the Civil War

Introduction

• Focus: Effects of the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860.
• Context: Addressing tensions over slavery in the United States.
• Previous video discussed the failure of compromise on slavery.

The Election of 1860

• Key Figures

  • Republican Nominee: Abraham Lincoln
    • Platform: Free Soil Movement (prevent expansion of slavery, not abolition).
  • Democratic Nominee: Stephen Douglas (Kansas-Nebraska Act)
    • Northern Democrats: Popular sovereignty for slavery decisions.
  • Southern Democrats: John Breckinridge
    • Desired federal protection for slavery in territories.

• Election Outcome

  • Lincoln won 40% of popular vote; carried electoral vote.
  • Won presidency without any southern electoral votes.

Southern Response

• Perception among Southern states:
  • Lincoln’s election threatened their political power.
  • Concern over abolitionist sentiments despite Lincoln’s assurances.
• Secession
  • South Carolina first to secede in December 1860.
  • Followed by Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
  • Later Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina seceded.
  • Formation of the Confederate States of America.

Confederate Constitution

• Similar to U.S. Constitution with limited federal power.
• Enshrined slavery as a perpetual institution.

Causes of Secession

• Debate: Protection of slavery vs. states’ rights.
• Confederate States’ Reasons
  • Texas: Opposition to "doctrine of equality" and "abolition of negro slavery."
  • South Carolina: Focus on violation of constitutional rights tied to antislavery principles.
  • Mississippi: Explicitly identified position with slavery.

Confederate Leadership

• Jefferson Davis’ Inauguration Speech: Avoided mention of slavery.
• Alexander Stephens’ Cornerstone Speech: Asserted slavery as foundation of Confederacy.

Conclusion

• Clear conclusion from state declarations: Secession aimed to protect slavery.
• Encouraged further study of Unit 5.
• Invitation to subscribe for more educational content.

• Note: This lecture highlights the significant role of slavery in the secession of Southern states, leading to the Civil War. It underscores the importance of understanding historical perspectives using primary sources from the period.