The Election of 1860 and Its Impact on American History

The video explores the 1860 presidential election, highlighting its significance as a pivotal moment in American history. It sets the context of a nation on the brink of civil war, with tensions over slavery and political divisions. The emergence of the Republican Party and the split within the Democratic Party are discussed, along with the key candidates: Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, John Breckinridge, and John Bell. The election results are analyzed, showing Lincoln's victory despite not being on the ballot in some states. The video concludes with the immediate aftermath, including the secession of Southern states and the looming Civil War.

What was the primary issue causing tension in the United States leading up to the election of 1860?

• Expansion of slavery

• Economic recession

• Foreign policy disputes

• Taxation without representation

Which new political party emerged during the election of 1860?

• Whig Party

• Republican Party

• Federalist Party

• Libertarian Party

Who was the Republican candidate in the 1860 presidential election?

• Abraham Lincoln

• John Breckinridge

• Stephen Douglas

• John Bell

What was a key reason for the split within the Democratic Party during the 1860 election?

• Conflict over economic policies

• Debate over popular sovereignty and slavery

• Dispute over military leadership

• Disagreement over foreign policy

Which candidate won the majority of the electoral votes in the 1860 election?

• Stephen Douglas

• John Breckinridge

• John Bell

• Abraham Lincoln

How many states did Abraham Lincoln win in the 1860 election?

• 18 states

• 11 states

• 15 states

• 8 states

What immediate action did Southern states take following Lincoln's election?

• Held a national referendum

• Seceded from the Union

• Declared war on the North

• Formed a new political party

What was Lincoln's primary message in his inauguration speech?

• To expand the Union territories

• To promote economic growth

• To declare war on the South

• To avoid civil war and maintain unity

Which event marked the beginning of the Civil War following Lincoln's election?

• Siege of Vicksburg

• Attack on Fort Sumter

• Battle of Gettysburg

• Battle of Antietam

What was the outcome of the fusion tickets in the 1860 election?

• They won the majority of Southern states

• They led to a new political party

• They successfully defeated Lincoln

• They failed to prevent Lincoln's victory