1. A Nation Divides The Election of 1860 The South Reacts
The Civil War Begins

2. The Election of 1860 Republicans nominated Abraham Lincoln
Democrats split
Northern Democrats – Stephen Douglas
Southern Democrats – John Breckenridge
New party named Constitutional Union Party chose John Bell (moderate who wanted to keep the Union)
Lincoln was elected as President.

4. The South Reacts
Southerners believed that the election of Lincoln meant the South no longer had a voice in government
Senator John Crittenden of KY made a last effort for a compromise but it did not work

5. Do states have the right to secede?
States Rights
In Dec. of 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede (break away from Union)
1861- Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas also seceded.
Formed the nation the Confederate States of America
Jefferson Davis became their president.
Do states have the right to secede?

6. The Civil War Begins!
When Lincoln took office he said, “In YOUR hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in MINE, is the momentous issue of civil war…We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.” – Lincoln, First Inaugural Address
What does he mean?
Civil War – war between people of the same country.

7. Fort Sumter Battle of Fort Sumter (April 12, 1861)
Confederates demanded that Fort Sumter surrender
Union troops refused
Confederates opened fire
April 13 – Union surrendered
Started the 4 year war
4 more states join the Confederacy
after the Battle of Fort Sumter
(AK, TN, VA, NC)