Why was slavery important in the 1860 election?

Why was slavery important in the 1860 election?

The economic system based on slave grown cotton not only controlled the south but the entire United States, and reached across the ocean as well. For four million enslaved Americans who could not share their voice by the vote, the outcome of this issue and the election meant hope for a life of freedom.

What were Abraham Lincoln’s political beliefs?

Lincoln believed that American democracy meant equal rights and equality of opportunity. But he drew a line between basic natural rights such as freedom from slavery and political and civil rights like voting. He believed it was up to the states to decide who should exercise these rights.

What was Abraham Lincoln’s campaign platform?

A former Whig, Lincoln ran on a political platform opposed to the expansion of slavery in the territories. His election served as the immediate impetus for the outbreak of the Civil War. After being sworn in as president, Lincoln refused to accept any resolution that would result in Southern secession from the Union.

What did Lincoln say in his inaugural address regarding slavery?

In his inaugural address, Lincoln promised not to interfere with the institution of slavery where it existed, and pledged to suspend the activities of the federal government temporarily in areas of hostility. The government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors.

What did the election of 1860 lead to?

The Constitutional Union Party was also new; 1860 was the first and only time the party ran a candidate for president. The results of the 1860 election pushed the nation into war.

What was Lincoln’s view of the solution to slavery?

From the beginning of his political career, and for most of his life, Lincoln believed that colonization would provide the solution to slavery. He shared Henry Clay’s view on the principle of colonization by which free African Americans would be transported back to Africa, specifically to Liberia.

Who was the Constitutional Union Party candidate for president in 1860?

Election of 1860. John Bell of Tennessee represented the Constitutional Union Party. He believed in protecting slavery as it was allowed in the Constitution, but wanted to prevent its spread to keep the peace and preserve the Union.

What was Lincoln’s view on the Civil War?

Lincoln did not consider the Civil War as a struggle to free slaves but to keep the Union together. On March 6, 1862, as a last call to rebel states and prior to issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, the President announced its policy of compensated emancipation.

How many electoral votes did Lincoln win in 1860?

The campaign. On election day Lincoln captured slightly less than 40 percent of the vote, but he won a majority in the electoral college, with 180 electoral votes, by sweeping the North (with the exception of New Jersey, which he split with Douglas) and also winning the Pacific Coast states of California and Oregon.