Political career of Abraham Lincoln (1849–1861)

Abraham Lincoln by Nicholas Shepherd, 1846-crop

Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. Lincoln led the nation through its greatest moral, constitutional, and political crisis in the American Civil War. Before his presidency, Lincoln had a diverse political career from 1849 to 1861, during which he developed his views on slavery and shaped the political landscape of the United States. This article focuses on that critical period.

Early Political Career (1849–1854)

After serving a single term in the United States House of Representatives (1847–1849), Lincoln returned to Illinois disillusioned with politics but remained active in the political scene. During this period, Lincoln focused on his law practice but kept a keen eye on political developments, especially those concerning the issue of slavery.

Re-emergence and the Kansas-Nebraska Act

Lincoln's political re-emergence was catalyzed by the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which effectively repealed the Missouri Compromise by allowing territories to decide on the legality of slavery through popular sovereignty. Lincoln viewed this act as a direct threat to the nation's moral and political stability. His opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Act marked Lincoln's return to the political forefront and set the stage for his involvement in the founding of the Republican Party.

Founding of the Republican Party (1854)

The outrage over the Kansas-Nebraska Act led to the formation of the Republican Party, a political entity committed to preventing the spread of slavery into the new territories. Lincoln, with his eloquent opposition to slavery and his political acumen, quickly became a leading figure within the party. He used his platform to argue against the expansion of slavery, emphasizing its moral and political implications.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates (1858)

The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858, held during Lincoln's unsuccessful bid to unseat Stephen A. Douglas from his Senate seat, were a pivotal moment in Lincoln's political career. These debates centered around the issue of slavery's expansion into the territories. Lincoln's performance showcased his exceptional oratorical skills and solidified his position as a national political figure. Although he lost the Senate race, the debates increased his visibility and set the stage for his presidential bid in 1860.

Election of 1860

Lincoln's growing reputation as a moderate who could unite the various factions within the Republican Party led to his nomination as the party's candidate for the presidency in 1860. In a deeply divided nation, Lincoln's platform of halting the spread of slavery while preserving the Union appealed to a broad spectrum of voters. His election in November 1860, however, was seen by the southern states as a direct threat to the institution of slavery, leading to the secession of several states and the eventual outbreak of the American Civil War.

Conclusion

The period from 1849 to 1861 was crucial in shaping Abraham Lincoln's political philosophy and career. His opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, involvement in the founding of the Republican Party, and the Lincoln-Douglas debates were key events that defined his stance on slavery and his vision for America. These years not only prepared Lincoln for the presidency but also set the stage for the monumental challenges he would face in leading the country through its most perilous period.