05001
ERA 5: Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877)
America’s Oddest Election, by Harold Holzer
Guiding Questions
How was Lincoln a controversial presidential candidate in 1860?
Why is the election of 1860 important?
Abraham Lincoln & Hannibal Hamlin
Teacher-to-Teacher
This collection focuses on the Election of 1860 which had a major impact on the country, leading to secession of southern states and eventually the Civil War. The election showed sectionalism at its worst. The article and the documents explain the different platforms of the candidates. Teachers and students can focus on the slogans and messages on the party documents. The political cartoons also help to illustrate the political tension of the time, but may need more teacher guidance to help the students understand them.
- America's Oddest Election (Fall 2010 | Volume: 60, Issue: 3) articles_ah
- Democratic ticket. Our principals the Constitution. For President John C. Breckinridge of Kentucky For Vice President Joseph Lane of Oregon historical_documents
- Maryland state ticket. Election, Tuesday November 6th, 1860...For President of the United States John Bell of Tennessee. For Vice President of the United States, Edward Everett of Massachusetts historical_documents
- The Union must and shall be preserved. For President Abraham Lincoln of Illinois. For Vice President Hannibal Hamlin of Maine. historical_images
- Bust of Stephen Douglas over Northern Democratic Party's presidential campaign shield historical_images
- The National Game. Three "Outs" and One "Run" – Abraham Winning the Ball historical_images
- An Heir to the Throne, Or the Next Republican Candidate historical_images
- National Republican platform adopted by National Republican Convention, held in Chicago. May 17, 1860. historical_documents
- Democratic Party Platform, June 18, 1860. historical_documents
- “The Last Race of the Rail-Splitter,” Broadside, ca. 1861 historical_documents