1864 National Union National Convention

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The 1864 National Union National Convention was held on June 7 and June 8, 1864, at the Front Street Theatre in Baltimore, Maryland. This convention was organized by the National Union Party, a temporary name used by the Republican Party during the American Civil War to attract War Democrats and Unionists who would not vote for the Republican Party.

Background

The convention was called to nominate candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. The incumbent President, Abraham Lincoln, was seeking re-election. The National Union Party was formed to provide a broader base of support for Lincoln's re-election by including War Democrats and other supporters of the war effort.

Presidential Nomination

Abraham Lincoln was unanimously nominated for a second term as President. His leadership during the American Civil War and his stance on the Emancipation Proclamation were key factors in his nomination.

Vice Presidential Nomination

The convention chose Andrew Johnson, a War Democrat from Tennessee, as Lincoln's running mate. Johnson was selected to balance the ticket and appeal to Democrats and Unionists in the South.

Platform

The platform adopted by the convention endorsed the continued prosecution of the American Civil War until the Confederacy was defeated. It also supported the Emancipation Proclamation and the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which would abolish slavery.

Related Pages

• Abraham Lincoln
• Andrew Johnson
• National Union Party (United States)
• American Civil War
• Emancipation Proclamation
• Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution
• Republican Party (United States)
• War Democrats
• Unionists (American Civil War)