Explain the core principle of the Free Soil Movement and how it influenced Lincoln's platform in the 1860 election.

The Free Soil Movement sought to prevent the expansion of slavery into new territories. Lincoln adopted this principle, promising to curtail the spread of slavery, which appealed to voters concerned about slavery's growth without advocating for its abolition where it already existed.

How was the Democratic Party divided during the 1860 election, and who were the candidates representing these divisions?

The Democratic Party was divided into a northern and southern faction. Stephen Douglas represented the northern faction, advocating for popular sovereignty to decide the slavery question in new territories. John Breckinridge represented the southern faction, seeking federal protection of slavery in these territories until they became states.

Describe the significance of Lincoln winning the 1860 election without receiving any electoral votes from Southern states.

Lincoln's victory without Southern electoral votes demonstrated the growing political dominance of the North and the South's diminishing influence. This outcome heightened Southern fears of being politically marginalized and unable to protect their interests, particularly regarding slavery.

What was the immediate reaction of Southern states following Lincoln's election in 1860?

Following Lincoln's election, South Carolina seceded from the Union in December 1860. Within six weeks, six more states followed, initiating a cascade of secession that eventually led to the formation of the Confederate States of America.

Lincoln's Policies and the Civil War

11thSocial Studies45 min

Learning Objective

I can analyze how Lincoln's key policies and actions influenced the course of the Civil War.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

7 min

The Election of 1860 and SECESSION [APUSH Review Unit 5 Topic 7] Period 5: 1844-1877

Heimler's History

Guided Notes

9 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
Abraham Lincoln ran on a free soil platform in the election of 1860, which meant he wanted to prevent the spread of slavery into new territories.
•
The Democratic party was divided between a northern faction that supported popular sovereignty and a southern faction that wanted slavery in new territories protected by a federal slave code.
•
After Lincoln won the election of 1860 without any Southern electoral votes, South Carolina seceded from the Union, followed by six more states within six weeks.

Practice

14 min

9 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Explain how Lincoln's election in 1860 led to the secession of Southern states and the formation of the Confederate States of America. Be sure to include the reasons the Southern states gave for their secession.”

Teacher Guide

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Answer keys for all questions
Differentiation strategies
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Lincoln's Policies and the Civil War

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

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