The Presidential Election of 1860

Abraham Lincoln won the support of the Republican National Convention.

The Democratic National Convention was held in South Carolina, with a second meeting in Maryland. During the convention, 110 Southern Delegates, walked out when the party would not adopt a platform endorsing the expansion of slavery into new/future territories. The Democrats that remained, nominated Stephen A. Douglas for the presidency. The Southern Democrats held another convention in Virginia, nominating John Breckinridge.

The former Know Nothings with some Whigs formed the Constitutional Union Party running on a platform supporting the Constitution.

November 6; Republican Candidate Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States, with Hannibal Hamlin as his Vice President. This brought on the secession of the Southern States, starting with South Carolina.