Election of 1860
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
What happened? Summarize the event!
Where did the event take place?
When did the event take place?
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
The Election of 1860 involved several key figures and groups. The main contenders for the presidency were Abraham Lincoln of the Republican Party, John C. Breckinridge of the Southern Democrats, John Bell of the Constitutional Union Party, and Stephen A. Douglas of the Northern Democrats. The election deeply divided the nation along regional and ideological lines, with the issue of slavery being a major point of contention.
The event was a presidential election where voters chose their preferred candidate to lead the country. The election involved intense campaign efforts, debates, and rallies to win support. Ultimately, Abraham Lincoln emerged as the winner, becoming the 16th President of the United States.
The election took place across the United States, with voters from all states participating. However, the election had a significant impact on southern states like Georgia, as it highlighted the growing tension between the North and the South regarding slavery. Lincoln's victory was seen as a threat to the institution of slavery, leading to an increased push for secession by southern states.
The event took place on November 6, 1860, when the election was held and the results were tallied.
The Election of 1860 is crucial to Georgia's history because it played a significant role in the state's decision to secede from the Union. Georgia, being a southern state heavily dependent on slavery, viewed Lincoln's victory as a direct threat to their way of life and their economic interests. The election outcome further heightened the growing divide between the North and the South, eventually leading Georgia and other southern states to secede and form the Confederate States of America.