On 6 November 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th President of the United States, marking a major turning point in American political history.
The Republican candidate, who represented Illinois, defeated three other candidates in a four-way presidential contest. His victory made him the first member of the Republican Party to be elected US president.
A victory that deepened divisions
Lincoln’s election came at a time of growing tensions between Northern and Southern states, particularly over slavery and the balance of power between the federal government and individual states.
His opposition to the expansion of slavery into new US territories had made him particularly unpopular in the South, where many feared his presidency would threaten their interests.
Lincoln won the election despite receiving virtually no support in the Southern states. His victory prompted several Southern states to begin seceding from the Union, eventually leading to the American Civil War in April 1861.
A presidency that changed American history
Lincoln served as president from 1861 until his assassination in April 1865, becoming one of the most consequential figures in US history.
During the Civil War, he led the Union through the conflict and issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring enslaved people in Confederate-held territories free.
He also played a central role in securing the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery throughout the United States.
Lincoln was assassinated on 14 April 1865 at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC, just days after the Confederacy’s surrender.
His election in 1860 marked the beginning of a presidency that would reshape the United States and leave a lasting impact on its history.
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