Abraham Lincoln's Presidential Election - Essay Example

ABRAHAM LINCOLN The 16th president of the United s of American was Abraham Lincoln. He was elected for presidency in the elections held in 1860. He belonged to Republican Party. The success of Abraham Lincoln and Republican Party in 1860 elections was dramatic in nature. Some critics say that the success was purely due to the clashes occurred in the Democratic Party before the elections. However, many argue by showing statistics that the votes polled for and electoral seats won by Republican Party were much higher than the seats won by other parties jointly.

However, all this success was very much based on the campaign run by the Republican Party prior to elections. The Republican Party focused on the campaign in the North only. Several leaflets, posters and published editorials focusing on the story of Lincoln’s life were used in campaign by the Republicans. His nickname ‘Honest Abe’ was also very much used. The main focus, throughout the campaign, was Lincoln’s childhood poverty. This showed that the labor is superior and a poor boy could even work to pave his way to the top of leadership by his efforts.

Abraham Lincoln was of the view that the slavery should not be allowed to expand in further states of America. He wanted to put it to end but slowly and through constitutional Reforms. However, his success in 1860 elections was not liked by the Southern states as most of the residents of these states own slaves and they perceived that Republican Party wants to end slavery in America completely. This initiated conflict between North and South America. This eventually resulted in Civil war in America which resulted in bloodshed for a period of 4 years in America.

The period of Lincoln’s life after his being elected as a president was all spent in civil war. He did not able to bring any significant regulations in America. He was murdered on April 14, 1865 while watching a play in Ford’s Theatre. He was assassinated just close to the end of Civil War. However, his efforts for the end of slavery in America will be remembered forever. References: 1. The American Civil War. 1860 Election. 22nd April. 2011. 2. The Free Encyclopedia. Assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

22nd April. 2011. 3. Streich, M. Lincoln and the South Before Inauguration Day. 22nd April. 2011.