ELECTION Abraham Lincoln was the candidate of the newly formed Republican Party. Many Americans considered him to be against slavery. The Democratic Party was bitterly divided over the issue of slavery. Northern Democrats chose Stephen Douglas, who believed states should be free to make their own decisions of slavery. Southern Democrats were angry that Douglas would not endorse slavery. Lincoln won the election in 1860, even though he was not even on the ballot in ten of the Southern states. Disagreements between the North and South had smoldered for many years, but Lincoln's victory became the spark that ignited the Civil War. SECESSION

The passage discusses the political landscape leading up to the Civil War in the United States, focusing on the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and the subsequent secession of Southern states. Here’s a breakdown of the key points: 1. **Political Parties and Candidates**: - Abraham Lincoln was the candidate for the newly formed Republican Party, which was perceived as anti-slavery. - The Democratic Party was divided: - Northern Democrats supported Stephen Douglas, who advocated for states' rights regarding slavery. - Southern Democrats were dissatisfied with Douglas for not fully endorsing slavery. 2. **Election Outcome**: - Lincoln won the election despite not being on the ballot in ten Southern states, indicating a significant regional divide in political support. - His victory was a pivotal moment that intensified existing tensions between the North and South. 3. **Consequences**: - Lincoln's election is described as the "spark" that ignited the Civil War, suggesting that it was a critical turning point in American history. - The mention of "secession" implies that Southern states began to withdraw from the Union in response to Lincoln's election and the perceived threat to slavery. This context sets the stage for understanding the causes of the Civil War, particularly the role of political divisions and the issue of slavery in American society at the time. If you have specific questions or need further analysis on any aspect, feel free to ask!