Final answer:
Lincoln feared losing re-election in 1864 due to Northern discontent with his wartime measures and the prolonged conflict. However, late Union military victories bolstered his popularity, leading to his re-election with overwhelming support in the Electoral College.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abraham Lincoln anticipated defeat in his bid for re-election in 1864 due to several factors. Widespread anti-Lincoln sentiment in the North was high, partly because of controversial actions such as the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, leading some to view him as a dictator. Additionally, the war had been dragging on with enormous casualties, causing discontent among voters. However, the trend shifted in Lincoln's favor during the fall of 1864 with significant military victories, like the capture of Atlanta in September and General Philip Sheridan's successes in the Shenandoah Valley. These successes improved Northern morale and bolstered Lincoln's image, demonstrating to the electorate that a Union victory was within reach. As a result, Lincoln was reelected in November 1864, winning a vast majority of the popular vote in the Northern and border states, and an overwhelming majority in the Electoral College.