jan 1, 1860 - Election of 1860

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Democrats split right before this election, which made it really hard for them to win this election.
Republicans nominated Lincoln because he was fairly moderate in his views about slavery.
The white free-soilers also sort of jumped on this Republican train.
Lincoln had a compelling egalitarian image that appealed to small-holding farmers and wage-owners.
He also came from the Midwest, which was a very key area in the election.
Republicans had a platform opposing both slavery and racial equality.

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