Today, we reflect on a crucial day in American history. On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th President of the United States. His election not only signified the rise of the Republican Party but also triggered the secession of Southern states, ultimately leading to the Civil War. Lincoln’s leadership during the nation’s most tumultuous period and commitment to abolishing slavery solidified his legacy as one of America’s most revered presidents.

Fun Facts:

• He was the first Republican President- Abraham Lincoln was the first candidate from the newly formed Republican Party to win the presidency. His victory was significant in the party’s early history, and his anti-slavery platform appealed to Northern states.

• The electoral Split- The 1860 election saw the country deeply divided. Lincoln ran against three other candidates: Stephen A. Douglas (Northern Democrat), John C. Breckinridge (Southern Democrat), and John Bell (Constitutional Union). Lincoln won with just 40% of the popular vote but secured the presidency through a strong Electoral College win.

• Southern Secession- Lincoln’s election was a catalyst for Southern secession. Within weeks of his victory, South Carolina and other Southern states began seceding from the Union, setting the stage for the American Civil War.

• Abolition of Slavery—Lincoln’s election was crucial in advancing the cause of abolition. Though he initially focused on preserving the Union, his Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 signaled his strong commitment to ending slavery in the United States.