The 1860 Elections

As you look at the map of the 1860 elections, think about why political parties were unable to control growing sectional hostility. For newspaper accounts of the election, see the Historical New York Times site or browse Historical New York Times (1851-2001) through the UMUC library. You can also explore the Goza article collection.

As you ponder the causes of the Civil War and secession, think about why historians disagree about its interpretation. At times, these debates are quite heated. Fortunately relative consensus exists over the results of the war. Many see this period of our history as a victory of sorts for industrial capitalism. Yet the victors failed to create an egalitarian society, despite attempts in the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments. In fact, for the next 100 years, black Americans continued to face discrimination. Consequently the civil war, though heralded as a 'watershed' in American history, is but another curve in the long road towards racial and social equality. The study of this path is the focus of the next course, Hist 157.