The United States of America is a nation that has championed democracy throughout its history, and the election of Abraham Lincoln as president was a pivotal moment that solidified this commitment. In 1860, Lincoln's election marked a turning point in American politics, as he became the first president from the Republican Party and led the charge against slavery and secession.

Lincoln's victory was not without controversy, however. His election sparked outrage among Southern slaveholders who feared the erosion of their power and the abolition of slavery. This tension ultimately led to the Civil War, which pitted Lincoln's Union forces against the Confederate army in a struggle for the soul of the nation.

Despite the challenges he faced, Lincoln remained steadfast in his commitment to democracy and his belief that all men are created equal. He delivered some of the most memorable speeches in American history, including his famous Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in rebel states shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.

Abraham Lincoln's election as president was not just a triumph for the Republican Party, nor was it merely a victory over the Confederacy. It marked a decisive moment in the history of democracy, as the people of the United States chose to stand up for their values of freedom and equality. Today, we honor Lincoln's legacy by continuing to fight for these same principles, and by striving to build a more perfect union for all Americans.

The Triumph of Democracy: Abraham Lincoln Elected as President of the United States

Introduction

The election of Abraham Lincoln as the 16th president of the United States in 1860, was a significant event in American history. This event marked the triumph of democracy and the power of the people to choose their leader. It was a turning point for the United States, as it was about to enter into a period of change and turmoil.

The Candidates

The presidential election of 1860 featured four candidates: Abraham Lincoln for the Republican Party, Stephen A. Douglas for the Northern Democrats, John C. Breckinridge for the Southern Democrats, and John Bell for the Constitutional Union Party.

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky in 1809 and worked as a lawyer before entering politics. He was a member of the Whig Party before joining the newly-formed Republican Party in 1856. He was known for his opposition to the expansion of slavery into new territories.

Stephen A. Douglas

Stephen A. Douglas was a senator from Illinois and a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. He was known for his support of popular sovereignty, which allowed the people of a territory to decide whether to allow slavery or not.

John C. Breckinridge

John C. Breckinridge was a senator from Kentucky and the Vice President of the United States under President James Buchanan. He was nominated by the Southern Democrats, who believed in the right of states to secede from the Union.

John Bell

John Bell was a former senator from Tennessee and a member of the Constitutional Union Party. The party was formed by former Whigs and Know-Nothings who wanted to avoid the slavery issue and preserve the Union.

The Campaign

The presidential campaign of 1860 was a heated one. The issue of slavery dominated the debate, with Lincoln and the Republicans opposed to its expansion and the other candidates either supporting it or avoiding the issue entirely.

The Results

On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln won the election with 180 electoral votes out of a total of 303. He won no southern states and only about 40% of the popular vote, but he won the crucial states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

The Aftermath

The election of Abraham Lincoln led directly to the secession of seven southern states, which formed the Confederate States of America. The Civil War began in April 1861, and it lasted for four years, resulting in the deaths of over 600,000 Americans.

The Legacy

The election of Abraham Lincoln was a triumph of democracy and showed that the people had the power to choose their leaders. It also highlighted the deep divisions in the country over the issue of slavery, which eventually led to the Civil War. Lincoln's leadership during this difficult time helped to preserve the Union and end slavery in America.

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Conclusion

The election of Abraham Lincoln as president of the United States in 1860 was a significant event in American history. It marked the triumph of democracy and the power of the people to choose their leader. It also highlighted the deep divisions in the country over the issue of slavery, which eventually led to the Civil War. Lincoln's leadership during this difficult time helped to preserve the Union and end slavery in America.

Thank you for taking the time to read about The Triumph of Democracy: Abraham Lincoln Elected as President of the United States. This moment in history represents a significant turning point in the fight for democracy and freedom, one that should never be forgotten.

Abraham Lincoln's election as president without a title was a testament to the determination and spirit of the American people. Despite facing incredible opposition and obstacles, they were able to overcome them and elect a leader who would guide them through one of the most turbulent periods in American history.

The legacy of Lincoln and his triumph of democracy still resonates today. It serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and the determination to do what is right, we too can triumph over adversity and create a better future for ourselves and those around us.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope it has inspired you to continue to fight for democracy and never give up in the face of adversity.

Here are some of the common questions people ask about The Triumph of Democracy: Abraham Lincoln Elected as President of the United States:

1. What was the significance of Abraham Lincoln's election?

   Abraham Lincoln's election as president of the United States in 1860 marked a significant turning point in American history. It signaled the end of the dominance of the Southern slave states in national politics and set the stage for the Civil War.

2. How did Lincoln's election lead to the Civil War?

   LIncoln's election was seen as a threat to the institution of slavery, which was deeply entrenched in the Southern states. When Lincoln took office, several Southern states seceded from the Union, leading to the formation of the Confederate States of America and the outbreak of the Civil War.

3. What were Lincoln's views on slavery?

   Lincoln was opposed to the expansion of slavery into new territories and believed that it was morally wrong. He believed that the institution of slavery should eventually be abolished, but also believed that it was up to individual states to decide whether or not to allow slavery within their borders.

4. What impact did Lincoln have on American democracy?

   Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history, and his leadership during the Civil War played a crucial role in preserving the Union and ending slavery. He also championed the cause of democracy, famously stating that the United States was government of the people, by the people, for the people.