this date in American history: Abraham Lincoln Wins the Election

this date in American history: Abraham Lincoln Wins the Election

November 6, 1860 – "Abraham Lincoln is elected the 16th president of the United States with only 40% of the popular vote, defeating John C. Breckinridge, John Bell, and Stephen A. Douglas in a four-way race."

Lincoln was the candidate for the anti-slavery Republican Party. His victory convinced Southern states that the federal government would limit or abolish slavery. Within weeks of the election, South Carolina seceded from the U.S., followed by six other Southern states, leading directly to the Civil War in April 1861.

The election split the nation strictly along regional lines. Lincoln didn't even appear on the ballot in ten Southern states, yet he won almost all the free Northern states.

This was the first-ever presidential victory for the newly formed Republican Party, completely reshaping American politics and ending decades of power held by Southern political leaders.

W.A.S.P. - "Heaven’s Hung in Black"