The Presidential Election of 1860

Party Platform Definition Party Platform: a list of the principles which a political party supports in order to appeal to the general public for the purpose of having said party's candidates voted into office. This often takes the form of a list of support for, or opposition to, controversial topics.

The Candidates Republican: Abraham Lincoln From the state of Illinois He was seen as a moderate on the issue of slavery and had the ability to win the vote of people from the west -The party focused on Lincoln's life story, making the most of his Boyhood poverty, his pioneer background, his native genius, and his rise from obscurity to fame -The party believed that because he had in-laws with slaves he would have a connection to the South as well as the North

The Candidates Northern Democrat: Stephen Douglas Known as the “Little Giant”, from the state of Illinois -Voted U.S. Senator from Illinois -He also had been a congressman -Led the issue of popular sovereignty in the Kansas-Nebraska Territory that eventually led to “Bleeding Kansas”

The Candidates Southern Democrat: John C. Breckinridge He was elected Vice President of the United States, in 1856, on the Democratic ticket with James Buchanan as President. He was the youngest Vice President in U.S. history, elected at the age 35 He also was a Kentucky Representative in the House in 1849

The Candidates Constitutional Union: John Bell Bell served in the United States Congress in both the House of Representatives and Senate He also was a plantation owner and a attorney -He briefly served as Secretary of War under William Henry Harrison

Republican Party Platform Main Issues to Recognize: Slavery/Expansion: The party platform clearly stated that slavery would not be allowed to spread any farther States Rights: That the Federal Constitution, the Rights of the States, and the Union of the States, must and shall be preserved Popular Sovereignty: Slavery in the territories is dangerous political heresy Railroads: That a Railroad to the Pacific Ocean is imperatively demanded Other Topics: They promised that tariffs protecting industry would be imposed -A law granting free homesteads in the west to settlers was also part of the platform

Northern Democrat Political Platform Main issues to Recognize: Slavery/Expansion: We will abide by the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States upon these questions of Constitutional Law and say that slavery is legal in the territories Also will support Fugitive Slave Law Popular sovereignty: Is acceptable in the territories States Rights: Endorsed states' rights Railroad: Also government aid as will insure the construction of a Railroad to the Pacific coast

Southern Democrats Political Platform Main issues to Recognize: Slavery/Expansion: Preserve Fugitive Slave Law, for expansion into territories States Rights: Endorsed states' rights Popular sovereignty: Allowed in territories People can settle in the territories without losing rights or property ex: slaves Railroad: Construction of a Pacific Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, at the earliest practicable moment

Constitutional Union Main issues to Recognize: Slavery/Expansion: It is our duty to recognize no political principle other than THE CONSTITUTION OF THE COUNTRY, THE UNION OF THE STATES, AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAWS They hoped that by failing to take a firm stand either for or against slavery or its extension, the issue could be pushed aside Popular Sovereignty: Because of the Dred Scott Case slavery was legal in the territories, so popular sovereignty is acceptable States Rights: Rights of the People and of the States re-established Railroad: Possibly, but not specifically mentioned Other Topics: Wanted to avoid disunion over the slavery issue Wanted to hurt the election of the Republican candidate

Results of the Election Even though winning only 40% of the popular vote and not appearing on ballots in numerous Southern states Abraham Lincoln won the election with electoral votes The South feared that the issue of slavery would now be put in jeopardy, would he abolish it? It would soon after lead to the secession of numerous Southern states in protest and the formal declaration of war from the North after the attack on Fort Sumter

1860 Election Results