Final answer:
In the 1860 presidential platform, the Republicans sought to prevent the expansion of slavery, promote transcontinental railroads, support immigrant political rights, and provide free homesteads in the West. They nominated Abraham Lincoln, taking advantage of the division within the Democratic Party and appealing to northern voters with a platform that included various economic measures and human rights commitments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Republicans wanted a platform that addressed more than just the issue of slavery during their 1860 presidential campaign. Their platform promised not only opposition to the expansion of slavery but also supported other measures that were attractive to their constituents, especially in the North and West. These included the creation of transcontinental railroads, the provision of free homesteads in the West, the protection of immigrant political rights, and the support for public schools. Additionally, their platform contained a protective tariff to support industry.
The 1860 Republican platform was clear in its antislavery commitments, positioning Abraham Lincoln as a unifying candidate who could appeal to a broad range of northern voters. His nomination and the division within the Democratic Party gave the Republicans a significant advantage. Though half of the Republican members were opposed to the Civil War and emancipation, the party unified by renaming itself the National Union Party and nominating Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, aiming to garner War Democrat support.
The party's focus, however, extended beyond emancipation to promoting "free soil" and "free men." Their stance was influenced by the principle that all men deserved the right to their own labor and should have the opportunity for upward economic mobility, which was best achieved in a society without slavery. Although equality between races was not universally supported within the Republican Party, there was a general consensus on upholding basic human rights for all.