The Forgotten History: Which Political Party Really Opposed Slavery in the 1860s?

The 1860 United States presidential election is often seen as a landmark moment, marking a shift towards freedom and the eventual abolition of slavery. However, the complex interplay between the two dominant political parties of the time, the Republican and Democratic Parties, reveals a more nuanced and intriguing history. Which party truly opposed the institution of slavery?

A Survey of Partisan Stances

Four million individuals were in bondage at the onset of the 1860 election, a time when the Southern economy, and to some extent the national economy, was dependent on slave-grown goods, primarily cotton. The major issue before voters was whether slavery should be expanded in new territories. The Republican candidates, Abraham Lincoln and William H. Seward, took strong stances against the expansion of slavery. Their party, founded in 1854, was more federalist in nature.

In stark contrast, the Democratic candidate, John Breckinridge, advocated for a federal law that protected slave-owners' rights in territories that had not yet become states. He proposed that when a territory became a state, its residents should be able to decide for themselves whether slavery would be allowed. Stephen A. Douglas, Breckinridge's opponent, also believed this decision should be made by state residents but did not support a federal law protecting existing slavery in non-state territories. The Democrats at that time represented states' rights, while the Republicans championed federal unity and anti-slavery policies.

The Tumultuous 1860 Democratic Convention

The debate over slavery intensified during the 1860 Democratic Party convention in Charleston, South Carolina. Outgoing President James Buchanan and the Southern delegates staunchly supported Breckinridge, whose home state was Kentucky. Breckinridge wanted the Democratic platform to expressly protect slaves as property through federal legislation. In his campaign, Douglas had stated that the federal government lacked the authority to either allow or forbid slavery in territories.

Amidst increasing tensions, neither Breckinridge nor Douglas could achieve a majority vote. The Southern delegates eventually walked out of the convention, forcing the Northern delegates to adjourn without nominating a candidate. The Democratic Party reconvened in Baltimore the following month, but the rift over slavery remained unresolved. Southern states again left the convention to form their own.

The 1860 Presidential Election

The 1860 election marked a historic first, with no candidate receiving over 50% of the popular vote. Lincoln's name didn't even appear on the ballots in Southern states, while Northern Democrat Stephen A. Douglas was similarly divisive due to his debates with Lincoln in Illinois two years prior. Thus, the election effectively held simultaneous contests; Lincoln and Douglas fought for votes in the North, while Breckinridge and John Bell campaigned in the South.

The final tally showed Lincoln receiving 39.8% of the popular vote and 180 electoral votes. Douglas received 29.5% and 12 electoral votes, Breckinridge 18.1% and 39 electoral votes, and Bell 12.6% and 12 electoral votes. By the time Lincoln took office in March, six Southern states—Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas—had seceded, and a civil war seemed imminent.

This detailed analysis highlights a complex historical period where both parties made their views on slavery known through their candidates and platforms. While the outcome of the election ultimately contributed to the demise of the old Union, it was not one party's triumph over the other. Instead, it was a decisive moment when the nation was forced to confront the issue of slavery head-on, leading to profound and transformative changes in American history.

Conclusion

The history of the 1860 presidential election and its aftermath underscores the enduring legacy of the conflict over slavery in American politics. Despite initial misconceptions, the Republicans, with Lincoln and Seward, took a more determined and unified stance against the expansion of slavery. However, the deep divisions brought about by the election led to a devastating war and the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

Understanding this historical context enriches our comprehension of American political and social development, revealing the complex and often tragic journey towards a more inclusive and unified nation.