Chapter 6, Section 4

LINCOLN, SECESSION AND WAR

At the onset of the election of 1860, people were still reeling over John Brown’s raid and execution and the ever-present question about what would happen with slavery.

The issue of government control rose up in conjunction with the Dred Scott decision and the Fugitive Slave Act. This issue allowed Jefferson Davis to pass through

Congress resolutions that restricting federal control over slavery in the territories.

Congress could also not interfere with slavery in territories where it already existed.

THE ELECTION OF 1860

At the Democratic Convention in Charleston, North Carolina, the Democratic Party split over the issue of slavery. Northerners supported Stephen Douglas, while

Southerners walked out of the convention and nominated John C. Breckenridge. The party was thus split.

The Whigs joined with the Know-Nothings and created the Constitutional Union Party. Their goal was to mend regional differences by choosing John Bell, a moderate from Tennessee.

THE ELECTION OF 1860

The Republicans chose Abraham Lincoln, a moderate candidate at their convention held in Illinois. The Republican Party’s platform:

End slavery in the territories. Each state can control its own decisions. No interference in states where slavery already

existed. The election was won handily by Abraham

Lincoln, with 40% of the popular vote. He did not win any of the southern states; instead, these states supported John C. Breckenridge . This election demonstrated that the United States was no

longer united.

After Lincoln had been elected, southern states called a convention to withdraw from the Union. South Carolina was the fi rst state to secede. Not all states would support secession, though. Some

southern states felt loyalty to the Constitution. In 1861, the seven seceded states would form the

Confederate States of America. These states would write their own Constitution which

supported their pro-slavery beliefs. They attracted support of Britain and France by

prohibiting the import of new slaves from other countries.

They chose Jefferson Davis as their president.

THE UNION COLLAPSES

In a last-ditch effort to save the Union, Kentucky senator John Crittenden came up with a final compromise. It would become known as the Crittenden Compromise.Slavery would be allowed in territories south of the Missouri Compromise line.

Federal funds would be used to reimburse slaveowners for unreturned slaves. This compromise was voted down.

THE UNION COLLAPSES

Lincoln’s main goal as president was to preserve the Union. When the South seceded, they seized the forts within their

borders. One of these was Fort Sumter. Lincoln had to decide whether or not to try and hold on to Fort Sumter- including keeping the fort supplied, or give it up. He notified SC that he was sending food only.

The Confederacy attacked Fort Sumter and Union troops were forced to surrender. This attack left Northerners shocked.

Both sides rallied troops and support for the war that both sides believed would last a few days or months.

THE CIVIL WAR BEGINS

- Long-term: 1) Economic and cultural differences2) Debate over slavery in the territories3) Compromises did not work4) Legislation increasing sectional tension (i.e. Fugitive Slave Act, Dred Scott and increased tariffs)5) Growing antislavery movement6) Uncle Tom’s Cabin

CAUSES OF THE CIVIL WAR

- Short-term:1) Kansas-Nebraska Act splits the political parties2) Breakdown of the party system (i.e. all of the sub-parties Know-Northings; Constitutional Party)3) Lincoln is elected president4) South Carolina secedes from the Union

CAUSES OF THE CIVIL WAR