Final answer:
The election of 1860 led to the secession of seven southern states from the Union and the start of the American Civil War. The war lasted from 1861 to 1865 and resulted in the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery in the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Election of 1860
The election of 1860 was a turning point in American history. It led to the secession of seven southern states from the Union and the formation of the Confederate States of America. The election of Republican Abraham Lincoln as president, who opposed the expansion of slavery, prompted the southern states to leave the Union and start the American Civil War.
The American Civil War
From 1861 to 1865, the United States was torn apart by the Civil War. It was a brutal conflict that claimed the lives of over 600,000 soldiers. The war was fought not only to save the Union, but also to end slavery in the country. Although it took four years, the North finally prevailed, preserving the Union and abolishing slavery.
The Abolition of Slavery
One of the significant outcomes of the Civil War was the abolition of slavery in the United States. In 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, officially banning slavery throughout the country and marking a major milestone in American history.