Heimler’s History: The Election of 1860 and the Secession Crisis
Context and Background
Unit 5 of AP U.S. History: Focus on the growing tension over slavery in the United States.
Previous failures at compromise did not immediately lead to disunion.
Election of 1860
Key Question: What were the effects of Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860?
Republican Party Success: Midterm success made southern Democrats uneasy about the upcoming presidential election.
Candidates:
Republican: Abraham Lincoln on a free soil platform aimed at stopping the expansion of slavery.
Democrats: Divided party nominated Stephen Douglas (northern faction) and John Breckinridge (southern faction).
Free Soil Movement: Sought to prevent the spread of slavery but not abolish it where it already existed.
Divisions within the Democratic Party
Northern Democrats: Led by Stephen Douglas, favored popular sovereignty for deciding slavery in territories.
Southern Democrats: Led by John Breckinridge, wanted federal protection for slavery in territories until they achieved statehood.
Election Outcome
Lincoln's Victory: Won 40% of the popular vote and the electoral vote without any southern support.
Southern Reaction:
Perceived lack of political power among southern states despite Lincoln’s assurance not to abolish existing slavery.
Fear of Northern political dominance and influence after John Brown’s raid.
Secession and the Confederacy
Immediate Secession: South Carolina seceded in December 1860 followed by six states in the next six weeks (Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana).
Formation of the Confederate States: Later joined by Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
Confederate Constitution: Modeled on the U.S. Constitution but emphasized states’ rights and perpetuated slavery.
Reasons for Secession
Primary Cause: Protection of slavery, as stated in secession articles by confederate states.
Texas’ Argument: Criticized equality doctrine and Republican agenda.
South Carolina’s Article: Focused on constitutional rights violations linked to anti-slavery principles.
Mississippi’s Statement: Explicitly tied secession to the institution of slavery.
Confederacy’s Justification
Jefferson Davis: Avoided mentioning slavery in his inauguration speech.
Alexander Stephens’ Cornerstone Speech: Asserted racial superiority and eternal slavery as the Confederacy's foundation.
Conclusion
Clear Motive: Secession was primarily about preserving slavery.
Further Study: More lectures on Unit 5 available for deeper understanding.
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