Why did the Democratic Party have an issue selecting candidates for the election of 1860?
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Understand the Problem
The question asks why the Democratic Party faced challenges in selecting candidates for the 1860 election. This is a history question that requires understanding the political climate and divisions within the Democratic Party at that time.
Answer
The Democratic Party was divided over the issue of slavery.
The Democratic Party struggled to select candidates in 1860 because of the severe sectional split over slavery. Northern and Southern Democrats had differing views on the issue, leading to a divide within the party.
Answer for screen readers
The Democratic Party struggled to select candidates in 1860 because of the severe sectional split over slavery. Northern and Southern Democrats had differing views on the issue, leading to a divide within the party.
More Information
The division in the Democratic Party directly contributed to Abraham Lincoln's victory, as it split the vote of his opposition.
Tips
It's important to remember that the Democratic Party was not a unified entity at this time, and regional differences significantly impacted their ability to agree on a candidate.
Sources
- U.S. Presidential Election of 1860 | Abraham Lincoln vs. John C - britannica.com
- Election of 1860: Slavery Splits the Democrats | Retro Report - pbslearningmedia.org
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