In 1860 the presidential race fractured into four regional tickets: Abraham Lincoln (Republican), Stephen A. Douglas (Northern Democrat), John C. Breckinridge (Southern Democrat), and John Bell (Constitutional Union). Lincoln won the presidency with a majority of electoral votes but no Southern electoral support—he didn’t appear on most Southern ballots. His victory on the Republicans’ free-soil platform convinced many Southern leaders that they’d lost political power. Starting with South Carolina in December 1860, most slave states held secession conventions and left the Union, forming the Confederate States of America (Jefferson Davis president). Attempts like the Crittenden Compromise failed; tensions over Fort Sumter in April 1861 triggered open hostilities and the Civil War. For AP purposes, emphasize Lincoln’s sectional electoral map, the split Democratic Party, and how his election directly precipitated secession (CED KC-5.2.II.D). Want a quick refresher? See the Topic 5.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history).

Lincoln won because the election was sectional and fragmented—not because he had Southern support. The Democratic Party split (Northern Douglas vs. Southern Breckinridge) and a fourth candidate, John Bell, divided the rest. Republicans ran on a free-soil platform and were strongest in the populous Northern states, where Lincoln won pluralities and therefore all their electoral votes under the Electoral College. Republicans were also often not even on the ballot in many Deep South states, so he got virtually no Southern popular or electoral votes. Those Northern victories gave Lincoln an Electoral College majority even without any Southern electors, and his win convinced slaveholding states that they’d lost influence—triggering secession (CED Topic 5.7 keywords: Lincoln, Republican Party, Douglas, Breckinridge, Bell, Secession). For a clear AP-level review, see the Topic 5.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history).

The Republicans’ 1860 free-soil platform meant they opposed the expansion of slavery into the territories (not immediate abolition where it already existed). It insisted the “normal condition” of U.S. territory was freedom and that neither Congress nor territorial governments could legally create slavery there—a direct response to Kansas–Nebraska/popular sovereignty and Dred Scott. The platform fused free-soil ideas with “free labor” ideology: public lands and new territories should be open to independent white farmers, wage labor, and economic opportunity, not slave plantations. That’s why Lincoln won no Southern electoral votes but carried the North. For AP exam use: this connects to KC-5.2.II.D and Learning Objective H (effects of Lincoln’s election/secession). Review the Topic 5.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history).

Lincoln’s election in 1860 caused the Civil War by tipping the balance of power and triggering secession. He won on the Republican free-soil platform without a single Southern electoral vote, proving Southern voters they no longer controlled the presidency (CED: KC-5.2.II.D). Slaveholding leaders feared the federal government would block slavery’s expansion and eventually threaten slavery itself, so state secession conventions met (South Carolina left Dec. 20, 1860) and most Deep South states formed the Confederate States of America. After months of failed compromises (e.g., Crittenden proposals) and a breakdown in negotiation, the Confederacy’s seizure of federal forts (Fort Sumter, April 1861) led to open hostilities and the war. For the AP exam, link this to Learning Objective H (describe effects of Lincoln’s election). Review this topic’s study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history).

Being mad about an election is an emotional or political reaction—people complain, protest, or work to win next time. Secession is a formal, legal-political step: a state declaring it will leave the United States and no longer follow federal authority. In 1860 that difference mattered: Southern states didn’t just gripe about Lincoln’s win; they held secession conventions, passed ordinances of secession, and organized the Confederate States of America (CED keywords: secession conventions, Confederate States of America). Secession aimed to change the country’s constitutional order; it led to disputes over federal property (Fort Sumter), failed compromises (Crittenden Compromise), and ultimately war. For AP purposes, focus on cause → action → consequence: Lincoln’s 1860 victory (no Southern electoral votes) triggered the secession crisis and precipitated the Civil War (Topic 5.7). For a concise topic review, see the Fiveable study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history).

South Carolina led the way—it seceded on December 20, 1860—followed in quick order by Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas (Dec 1860–Feb 1861). Those states went first because Lincoln won on a Republican free-soil platform without any Southern electoral votes, which Southern elites saw as an immediate threat to slavery, political power, and their social order (CED KC-5.2.II.D). South Carolina had the strongest secessionist tradition and a state convention ready to act; neighboring Deep South states shared similar economies tied to cotton and slavery, so they coordinated secession and then formed the Confederate States of America in February 1861. For AP review, focus on Lincoln’s victory → secession crisis → Confederacy formation as a direct effect of the Election of 1860 (see the Topic 5.7 study guide: https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa). Need practice? Try Fiveable’s APUSH practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history).

Short answer: Lincoln’s election in 1860 shattered the fragile political balance because he won the presidency without a single Southern electoral vote, proving the sectional split in power. The Republican platform opposed the expansion of slavery (free-soil stance), and Southern leaders felt they’d lost influence in national politics and feared federal limits on slavery—especially after events like Dred Scott and John Brown’s raid hardened opinions. Between Dec 1860 and spring 1861, Southern states held secession conventions (South Carolina first) and formed the Confederate States of America with leaders like Alexander H. Stephens. Those secessions—precipitated by the election’s regional outcome and failed political compromises (e.g., Crittenden proposals)—led directly to the Fort Sumter crisis and the Civil War. For the AP exam, remember LO H: describe Lincoln’s election’s effects (no Southern electoral votes → secession). Review the Topic 5.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history).

After Lincoln won with zero Southern electoral votes, leaders argued fiercely over whether and how states could secede. Debates focused on three things: legality, timing, and compromise. Fire-eaters pushed immediate secession (South Carolina led, Dec 1860), while moderates urged waiting to see Lincoln’s policies. Constitutional and Dred Scott–era arguments were used to claim states’ rights to leave; Unionists (especially in border states) argued secession was illegal. Congress and states tried last-minute fixes—most notably the Crittenden Compromise (constitutional protections for slavery in certain territories)—but Republicans rejected extending slavery. Secession conventions formalized exits; Confederate leaders (e.g., Alexander H. Stephens) framed a new government. The crisis over Fort Sumter then made conflict inevitable. For the AP prompt you’ll likely need to connect Lincoln’s election to this secession crisis and the failed compromises (CED Topic 5.7, LO H). Review the topic study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history).

Start with a clear thesis linking Lincoln’s 1860 victory to secession—make a line of reasoning (e.g., political realignment + Southern fear of lost slave power produced secession). Contextualize briefly: Kansas-Nebraska, Dred Scott, sectional tensions, and Republicans’ free-soil platform. Use at least four documents to support sub-claims: party platforms and election returns to show polarization, Southern secession convention statements (SC declaration) to show immediate motives, newspaper cartoons/press to show public opinion, and congressional debates/Crittenden proposals to show failed compromises. For two documents explain POV—who wrote it and why that matters (e.g., a Southern governor’s secession speech vs. Republican platform). Add 1+ piece of outside evidence (SC seceded Dec 1860; Lincoln won 180 electoral votes w/ zero Southern electors) and show complexity by weighing political, economic, and ideological causes. Remember DBQ rules: thesis, contextualization, use 4+ docs, source analysis for two docs, outside evidence, and demonstrate complex understanding (see Topic 5.7 study guide for help: https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa). For more practice, use Fiveable’s unit review (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5) and 1000+ practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history).

Short answer: Lincoln’s election was the immediate trigger, but not the only cause. He ran on a Republican free-soil platform that opposed the expansion of slavery (not an immediate national abolition), and Southern leaders saw his victory with zero Southern electoral votes as proof they’d lost political power and influence over future decisions about slavery. That perceived loss—plus decades of sectional conflict (Dred Scott, Kansas-Nebraska, etc.)—pushed most Deep South states to call secession conventions after the November 1860 results. Lincoln himself hadn’t taken federal actions to abolish slavery before the election; the secession crisis came from Southern reactions to his win and long-term fears about slavery’s future. (See Topic 5.7: Election of 1860 and Secession study guide for the CED-aligned rundown: https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa.) For AP exam prep, be ready to describe the effects of Lincoln’s election (CED LO H) and connect it to secession conventions, the Crittenden Compromise attempts, and Fort Sumter as the war’s precipitating events. For practice, try more questions at Fiveable (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history).

“Precipitating the Civil War” means Lincoln’s election was the immediate trigger that set off secession and the chain of events leading to war—not the only long-term cause. In 1860 Lincoln won with almost no Southern electoral votes on a Republican free-soil platform (CED KC-5.2.II.D). Southern leaders saw his victory as a threat to slavery’s expansion, called secession conventions (beginning with South Carolina), and formed the Confederate States. Political compromises (like the Crittenden Compromise) failed, and the crisis turned violent at Fort Sumter in April 1861. For AP purposes, you should be able to describe these effects (LO H): Lincoln’s win → secession crisis → failed compromise → outbreak of hostilities. Review the Topic 5.7 study guide for timelines and key names (Lincoln, Breckinridge, Bell, Douglas, Alexander H. Stephens) (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa). Practice related DBQ/LEQ skills and multiple-choice questions at (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history).

Lincoln won zero Southern electoral votes because the 1860 election was deeply sectional. Northern Republicans ran on a free-soil platform opposing the spread of slavery; that made Lincoln unacceptable to most Southern voters and politicians (KC-5.2.II.D). In many Southern states his name wasn’t even on the ballot, and Southern Democrats split the rest of the vote between Breckinridge, Bell, and Douglas—so Lincoln carried the North, won the Electoral College, and lost every Slave State. His victory convinced many slave states their influence in the Union was gone, triggering secession conventions (e.g., South Carolina) and the secession crisis that led to the Civil War. For a quick review of this topic, check the Topic 5.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa). If you want more practice on elections and sectionalism, try the practice question bank (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history).

The 1860 election was the tipping point for tensions that had been building for decades. Lincoln won on a Republican free-soil platform without a single Southern electoral vote, which showed Southern leaders they’d lost power in national politics (CED KC-5.2.II.D). That outcome came after disputes over the Missouri Compromise, Compromise of 1850, Fugitive Slave laws, the Kansas–Nebraska Act (popular sovereignty), and Dred Scott—issues that made North and South see very different futures for slavery and expansion. Southern elites feared federal limits on slavery and loss of political influence, so states held secession conventions (South Carolina first) and formed the Confederate States; Fort Sumter then precipitated war. For AP prep, this links directly to Learning Objective H: “Describe the effects of Lincoln’s election.” Review this topic on Fiveable’s study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa) and try related practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history).

Yes. Four main candidates split the vote in 1860: - Abraham Lincoln (Republican)—ran on a free-soil/anti-slavery-expansion platform: stop slavery’s spread into western territories (he still promised not to immediately abolish slavery where it already existed). His win got no Southern electoral votes and triggered secession. - Stephen A. Douglas (Northern Democrat)—backed popular sovereignty: let territories decide slavery by vote. He opposed a national slave code and appealed to Northern Democrats. - John C. Breckinridge (Southern Democrat)—supported federal protection of slavery in the territories and insisted slaveholders’ rights be guaranteed nationwide. - John Bell (Constitutional Union)—focused on preserving the Union and enforcing the Constitution, avoiding a firm stance on slavery to attract moderates in border states. Knowing these positions helps explain why Lincoln’s victory (Republican free-soil) led many Southern states to secede (CED keywords: Election of 1860, Secession crisis, Stephen A. Douglas, John C. Breckinridge, John Bell). For a topic review see the AP Topic 5.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history).

Lincoln won on November 6, 1860. South Carolina voted to secede first on December 20, 1860—about six weeks later. Between December 1860 and February 1861 six more slave states (Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas) also seceded; those seven Deep South states left before Lincoln’s March 4, 1861 inauguration. The Confederate States of America formed in early February 1861. Open hostilities didn’t begin until Fort Sumter in April 1861; after that, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee seceded (spring–summer 1861). So: from election to the first secession = ~6 weeks; from election to most initial secessions = ~2–3 months; to full Confederate formation = ~3 months. This sequence is exactly what the CED expects you to know for Topic 5.7 (see the Fiveable study guide for Election of 1860 and Secession: https://library.fiveable.me/ap-us-history/unit-5/election-1860-secession/study-guide/6wnMakCgnFOoTG2IEnSa). For practice, try questions at https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-us-history.