Lincoln’s victory in the election of 1860
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the significance and impact of Abraham Lincoln's victory in the 1860 presidential election, specifically regarding its context within American history. This includes the political climate of the time, the implications for the Civil War, and how it affected the nation’s direction.
Answer
Lincoln won by a popular plurality and Northern electoral majority.
Abraham Lincoln's victory in the 1860 election was due to a plurality in the national popular vote, a majority of the popular vote in the North, and an electoral majority from Northern states.
Answer for screen readers
Abraham Lincoln's victory in the 1860 election was due to a plurality in the national popular vote, a majority of the popular vote in the North, and an electoral majority from Northern states.
More Information
Lincoln's victory in 1860 was significant as it highlighted the deep divisions within the country over slavery, leading to the secession of Southern states and eventually the Civil War. His triumph came despite not being on the ballot in ten Southern states.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming Lincoln won the popular vote nationwide by a large margin, but he actually won only about 40% of the overall popular vote.
Sources
- 1860 United States presidential election - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- U.S. Presidential Election of 1860 | Abraham Lincoln vs. John C. Breckinridge - Britannica - britannica.com
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