America’s Oddest Election, by Harold Holzer

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.