Answer:
The 1860 election was a pivotal moment in American history, as it set the stage for the Civil War. At the time, the nation was deeply divided over issues such as slavery, states' rights, and economic policies. The election reflected these divisions in a number of ways.
First, the major political parties were sharply divided. The Democratic Party was split into two factions, with one supporting Stephen Douglas, who favored popular sovereignty on the issue of slavery, and the other supporting John C. Breckinridge, who supported the expansion of slavery into new territories. Meanwhile, the newly formed Republican Party, which was primarily focused on opposing the spread of slavery, nominated Abraham Lincoln.
The campaign was bitter and divisive, with each side accusing the other of seeking to destroy the nation. Lincoln's victory in the election, despite not receiving any votes in the southern states, was seen by many southerners as a threat to their way of life, particularly their ability to maintain slavery. This ultimately led to the secession of several southern states, and the start of the Civil War.
In addition to the political divisions, there were also deep social and economic divisions in America at the time. The industrializing North was increasingly at odds with the agricultural South over issues such as tariffs and the role of government in the economy. The growing tension between these two regions was a major factor in the lead-up to the Civil War.
Overall, the candidates and election of 1860 reflected the deep divisions within America over issues of slavery, states' rights, and economic policies. These divisions ultimately led to the secession of several southern states and the start of the Civil War, which would fundamentally reshape the nation.