Final answer:
The election of 1860 featured candidates such as Stephen Douglas, John C. Breckinridge, Abraham Lincoln, and John Bell, each with their own platforms reflecting the sectional division on slavery. The South interpreted Lincoln's victory as a threat and responded by seceding from the Union, leading to the Civil War.
Step-by-step explanation:
Election of 1860
The election of 1860 was marked by division and had a significant impact on the United States. The candidates were Stephen Douglas, John C. Breckinridge, Abraham Lincoln, and John Bell. Their platforms reflected the sectional division on the issue of slavery.
Stephen Douglas
Douglas, representing the Northern Democrats, supported popular sovereignty which allowed territories to decide whether to allow slavery or not.
John C. Breckinridge
Breckinridge, representing the Southern Democrats, advocated for the protection of slavery and states' rights.
Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln, the Republican candidate, opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories but did not call for its immediate abolition.
John Bell
Bell, representing the Constitutional Union Party, aimed to preserve the Union and avoid the topic of slavery.
The election demonstrated the deep sectional divide in the country. Lincoln won without any electoral votes from the South, reflecting the North's opposition to slavery. The South interpreted the election results as a threat to their way of life and believed Lincoln's victory signaled the end of their control over the federal government. As a response, several Southern states seceded from the Union, leading to the formation of the Confederate States of America and ultimately the Civil War.