1860 Republican National Convention

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== 1860 Republican National Convention ==

The 1860 Republican National Convention was a significant political event in the history of the United States. It was held from May 16 to May 18, 1860, at the Wigwam in Chicago, Illinois. The convention resulted in the nomination of Abraham Lincoln as the Republican candidate for the presidential election of 1860.

Background

The Republican Party was founded in the mid-1850s in response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the expansion of slavery into the western territories. By 1860, the party had grown significantly and was poised to challenge the dominance of the Democratic Party.

Key Figures

• Abraham Lincoln: A former congressman from Illinois, Lincoln was relatively unknown on the national stage but gained prominence through his debates with Stephen A. Douglas during the 1858 Illinois Senate election.
• William H. Seward: A leading contender for the nomination, Seward was a prominent senator from New York and a strong opponent of slavery.
• Salmon P. Chase: Another key figure, Chase was the governor of Ohio and a vocal abolitionist.
• Edward Bates: A former congressman from Missouri, Bates was considered a moderate candidate.

Convention Proceedings

The convention was marked by intense debates and strategic maneuvering. On the first ballot, Seward led with 173.5 votes, followed by Lincoln with 102 votes. However, Lincoln's supporters worked diligently to consolidate support from other delegates. By the third ballot, Lincoln secured the nomination with 364 votes, surpassing the required majority of 233.

Nomination of Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln's nomination was a strategic choice for the Republican Party. His moderate views on slavery and his appeal to both northern and western states made him a unifying candidate. The convention also nominated Hannibal Hamlin of Maine as the vice-presidential candidate.

Impact

The nomination of Lincoln set the stage for a highly contentious election. The 1860 United States presidential election was a four-way contest, with Lincoln facing off against Stephen A. Douglas, John C. Breckinridge, and John Bell. Lincoln's victory in the election led to the Civil War and the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

Related Pages

• Republican Party (United States)
• Abraham Lincoln
• 1860 United States presidential election
• Wigwam (Chicago)
• Kansas-Nebraska Act
• Stephen A. Douglas
• American Civil War