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A Nation Divides

The election of 1860 was a pivotal moment in American history, significantly shaping the nation's future. With the Republican Party nominating Abraham Lincoln and Democrats splitting into Northern and Southern factions, tensions rose. Lincoln's victory led Southern states to fear a loss of political power, prompting South Carolina to secede in December 1860, followed by several others forming the Confederate States of America. The Civil War officially began with the Battle of Fort Sumter in 1861, as Lincoln appealed for unity, emphasizing the dire consequences of division among Americans.

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A Nation Divides

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  1. A Nation Divides • The Election of 1860 • The South Reacts • The Civil War Begins

  2. The Election of 1860 • Republicans nominated Abraham Lincoln • Democrats split • Northern Democrats – Stephen Douglas • Southern Democrats – John Breckenridge • New party named Constitutional Union Party chose John Bell (moderate who wanted to keep the Union) • Lincoln was elected as President.

  3. The South Reacts • Southerners believed that the election of Lincoln meant the South no longer had a voice in government • Senator John Crittenden of KY made a last effort for a compromise but it did not work

  4. States Rights • In Dec. of 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede (break away from Union) • 1861- Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas also seceded. • Formed the nation the Confederate States of America • Jefferson Davis became their president. Do states have the right to secede?

  5. The Civil War Begins! • When Lincoln took office he said, “In YOUR hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in MINE, is the momentous issue of civil war…We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.” – Lincoln, First Inaugural Address What does he mean? • Civil War – war between people of the same country.

  6. Fort Sumter • Battle of Fort Sumter (April 12, 1861) • Confederates demanded that Fort Sumter surrender • Union troops refused • Confederates opened fire • April 13 – Union surrendered • Started the 4 year war • 4 more states join the Confederacy after the Battle of Fort Sumter (AK, TN, VA, NC)

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