Abraham Lincoln's Agenda that Broke His Opponents (and the Union) — Hidden History

By the summer of 1860, a split was taking place in the Democratic Party. Southern Democrats, known as “Fire Eaters,” started to talk seriously about seceding from the Union, which was opposed by Northern Democrats. Because of this, the Northern Democrats nominated Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois for President, while the Southern Democrats nominated John C. Breckinridge of Kentucky.

Abraham LincolnPhoto byAHC/Abraham Lincoln

Meanwhile, the upstart Republican Party, which opposed the expansion of slavery into Kansas, Nebraska, and other western territories, nominated Abraham Lincoln as its candidate. On the second day of the Republican Convention, May 17, 1860, the Party Platform was read aloud. The key points were:

• Non-extension of slavery.
• A protective tariff.
• Protection of rights for immigrants.
• Federal funding for internal improvements, including a Pacific Railroad
• Free homesteads from public land appealed to farmers.

Although the Republicans did not explicitly call for an end to slavery, the Fire Eaters believed it was one of the ultimate goals. Leading up to the Presidential Election of 1860, the Fire Eaters vowed to secede from the Union if the Republican candidate, Abraham Lincoln, also from Illinois, was elected.

Lincoln won the election, and South Carolina voted to leave the Union on December 20, 1860, officially breaking the Union — and the Democratic Party.

The Republican Party Platform of 1860

Resolved, That we, the delegated representatives of the Republican electors of the United States in Convention assembled, in discharge of the duty we owe to our constituents and our country, unite in the following declarations:

Resolve Issues Through Constitutional Means

Resolution 1 — That the history of the nation during the last four years, has fully established the propriety and necessity of the organization and perpetuation of the Republican party, and that the causes which called it into existence are permanent in their nature, and now, more than ever before, demand its peaceful and constitutional triumph.

What does it mean?

This section explains the Party's belief in its ongoing purpose and commitment to solving the nation’s issues through constitutional methods and peaceful means. It refers to events of the last four yours, which led to the establishment of the Party. This includes:

Kansas-Missouri Border War (1855-1861) — The Kansas Territory was established in 1854, and the issue of slavery was left to a vote of the people. This concept is known as “Popular Sovereignty.” This led to violence between the anti-slavery “Free Soilers” and their militia forces, known as “Jayhawkers,” and the pro-slavery “Border Ruffians.” Both factions fought to control the territory and the fate of slavery.

Caning of Charles Sumner (May 22, 1856) — Division over slavery led to a violent incident on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts delivered a speech called “The Crime Against Kansas,” condemning supporters of slavery and insulting Senator Andrew Butler of South Carolina. Congressman Preston Brooks responded by attacking and beating Sumner with a cane.

This political cartoon depicts the Caning of Charles Sumner.Photo byWikimedia

Dred Scott Decision (March 6, 1857) — This historic ruling issued by the United States Supreme Court declared that people of African descent were not citizens of the United States and that Congress had no Constitutional authority to regulate slavery in U.S. territories.

Defend Core American Values and the Union

Resolution 2 — That the maintenance of the principles promulgated in the Declaration of Independence and embodied in the Federal Constitution, “That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,” is essential to the preservation of our Republican institutions; and that the Federal Constitution, the Rights of the States, and the Union of the States must and shall be preserved.

What does it mean?

This resolution lays out the Party's dedication to protecting core American values and the structure of government. Above all, the principles from the Declaration of Independence and the Federal Constitution were vital to the nation’s survival, including:

• All people are created equal.
• People have certain rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which cannot be taken away.
• Governments exist to protect these rights and must have the people's approval to hold power.

Further, preserving the Federal Constitution, the rights of individual States, and the Union was crucial to the country’s future.

Opposition to Disunion

Resolution 3 — That to the Union of the States this nation owes its unprecedented increase in population, its surprising development of material resources, its rapid augmentation of wealth, its happiness at home and its honor abroad; and we hold in abhorrence all schemes for disunion, come from whatever source they may. And we congratulate the country that no Republican member of Congress has uttered or countenanced the threats of disunion so often made by Democratic members, without rebuke and with applause from their political associates; and we denounce those threats of disunion, in case of a popular overthrow of their ascendency as denying the vital principles of a free government, and as an avowal of contemplated treason, which it is the imperative duty of an indignant people sternly to rebuke and forever silence.

What does it mean?

This section explains the party’s firm stance on preserving the Union and opposing any talk of secession, unlike the Democrats.

• The Union is responsible for the nation’s:
• • Rapid population growth.
  • Economic and material success.
  • Growing wealth.
  • Domestic happiness.
  • International respect.
• The party strongly opposed any idea of breaking up the Union, no matter where they came from.
• The Republicans were proud that no party members in Congress supported threats of disunion, in contrast to Southern Democrats, who were known as “Fire Eaters.”
• The Party condemned threats to leave the Union, calling them an attack on the principles of free government and a form of treason.
• Republicans called on the American people to strongly reject and silence threats of secession.

Balance of Federal Power and States’ Rights, Opposition to the Use of Force

Resolution 4 — That the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the states, and especially the right of each state to order and control its own domestic institutions according to its own judgment exclusively, is essential to that balance of powers on which the perfection and endurance of our political fabric depends; and we denounce the lawless invasion by armed force of the soil of any state or territory, no matter under what pretext, as among the gravest of crimes.

What does it mean?

This section focuses on the importance of respecting States' Rights and condemning violent interference in state matters.

• Republicans believed it was crucial to protect the States’ Rights, especially their right to manage their own internal affairs.
• They believed each State had the exclusive right to decide on its own domestic policies without interference.
• The balance of power between the Federal Government and the States was necessary for the nation’s political stability and survival.
• The Party strongly opposed any unlawful invasion of a State or U.S. Territory by armed forces, regardless of the reason, calling it a serious crime.

Opposition to the Buchanan Administration

Resolution 5 — That the present Democratic Administration has far exceeded our worst apprehensions, in its measureless subserviency to the exactions of a sectional interest, as especially evinced in its desperate exertions to force the infamous Lecompton Constitution upon the protesting people of Kansas; in construing the personal relations between master and servant to involve an unqualified property in persons; in its attempted enforcement everywhere, on land and sea, through the intervention of Congress and of the Federal Courts of the extreme pretensions of a purely local interest; and in its general and unvarying abuse of the power intrusted to it by a confiding people.

President James BuchananPhoto byAHC/James Buchanan

What does it mean?

The Republicans criticized President James Buchanan and his Administration for favoring Southern interests and accused them of abusing their authority.

The Republicans pointed to the Lecompton Constitution as an example. It was one of the potential Constitutions written for the Kansas Territory and pro-slavery. The Free Soilers opposed this Constitution, but President Buchanan publicly endorsed it.

Buchanan’s support for the Constitution contributed to the split in the Democratic Party. Northern Democrats sided with Republicans in opposition to the expansion of slavery into Kansas, while Southern Democrats supported it.

End Government Corruption

Resolution 6 — That the people justly view with alarm the reckless extravagance which pervades every department of the Federal Government; that a return to rigid economy and accountability is indispensable to arrest the systematic plunder of the public treasury by favored partisans; while the recent startling developments of frauds and corruptions at the Federal metropolis, show that an entire change of administration is imperatively demanded.

What does it mean?

Republicans believed:

• The public was rightfully concerned by the Federal Government’s excessive spending.
• It was important to return to strict financial discipline and accountability to stop the misuse of public funds by politicians.
• Recent discoveries of widespread fraud and corruption in the nation's capital proved that a complete change in the Administration was urgently needed.

The mention of fraud alluded to Representative Orsamus B. Matteson's accusations in 1857 that the majority of Congress members were open to bribes. Matteson, a Republican from New York, was later accused of accepting a bribe and resigned from office.

Expansion of Slavery Threatens Peace and Harmony

Resolution 7 — That the new dogma that the Constitution, of its own force, carries slavery into any or all of the territories of the United States, is a dangerous political heresy, at variance with the explicit provisions of that instrument itself, with contemporaneous exposition, and with legislative and judicial precedent; is revolutionary in its tendency, and subversive of the peace and harmony of the country.

Dred ScottPhoto byAHC/Dred Scott v Sanford

What does it mean?

In the Dred Scott Decision, Chief Justice Roger Taney declared that Congressional attempts to regulate slavery in U.S. territories were unconstitutional. Taney reasoned that Congress could not deprive white inhabitants of the territories of their Fifth Amendment rights to life, liberty, or property — including their slaves — without due process of law, any more than it could deny citizens their First Amendment right to free speech. Republicans disagreed with this assessment, calling it “political heresy.” They believed the idea that the Constitution automatically allowed slavery in any U.S. territory was a dangerous and false idea that:

• Contradicted the clear meaning of the Constitution, past interpretations, and previous laws and court decisions.
• Was a revolutionary and harmful belief that threatened the peace and unity of the nation.

Slavery in U.S. Territories is Abnormal

Resolution 8 — That the normal condition of all the territory of the United States is that of freedom: That, as our Republican fathers, when they had abolished slavery in all our national territory, ordained that “no persons should be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law,” it becomes our duty, by legislation, whenever such legislation is necessary, to maintain this provision of the Constitution against all attempts to violate it; and we deny the authority of Congress, of a territorial legislature, or of any individuals, to give legal existence to slavery in any territory of the United States.

Thomas Jefferson played an important role in abolishing slavery in the Northwest Territory.Photo byGoogle Arts & Culture

What does it mean?

This section emphasizes the Republican commitment to keeping U.S. territories free from slavery and enforcing constitutional protections. This was laid out in the organization of the Northwest Territory. However, this precedent was ignored when the Mississippi Territory was formed and was left up to the people when the Kansas Territory was founded. The Republicans argued:

• The natural state of all U.S. territories was freedom, not slavery.
• The Founding Fathers abolished slavery in national territories and declared that no person could be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
• It was the responsibility of the Federal Government to enforce this principle and protect it from any violations.
• The Party rejected the idea that Congress, territorial legislatures, or individuals had the right to legalize slavery in any U.S. Territory.

Opposition to the Slave Trade

Resolution 9 — That we brand the recent reopening of the African slave trade, under the cover of our national flag, aided by perversions of judicial power, as a crime against humanity and a burning shame to our country and age; and we call upon Congress to take prompt and efficient measures for the total and final suppression of that execrable traffic.

What does it mean?

In the 1850s, some Southerners called for the repeal of the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves (1808). William Lowndes Yancey, a leading Fire Eater, and Nathan Bedford Forrest both advocated for the resumption of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the United States. Some Southern States had even taken steps to resume the trade. The Republicans were adamantly opposed to it and called for the Federal Government to take action.

Nathan Bedford ForrestPhoto byLibrary of Congress

Dishonesty of the Democratic Party

Resolution 10 — That in the recent vetoes, by their Federal Governors, of the acts of the legislatures of Kansas and Nebraska, prohibiting slavery in those territories, we find a practical illustration of the boasted Democratic principle of Non-Intervention and Popular Sovereignty, embodied in the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, and a demonstration of the deception and fraud involved therein.

What does it mean?

The Republicans criticized Democrats because they failed to respect the will of the people in Kansas and Nebraska.

• Federal Governors in Kansas and Nebraska vetoed laws passed by local legislatures that banned slavery.
• These vetoes show how the Democratic principles of “Non-Intervention” and “Popular Sovereignty,” as claimed in the Kansas-Nebraska Act, were not working as promised.
• The Republicans used this as an example of how the Democrats were misleading and dishonest.

Admit Kansas as a Free State

Resolution 11 — That Kansas should, of right, be immediately admitted as a state under the Constitution recently formed and adopted by her people, and accepted by the House of Representatives.

What does it mean?

The Republicans called for Kansas to be granted immediate admission to the Union as a Free State based on the people's will.

Protective Economic Policies, Including Tariffs

Resolution 12 — That, while providing revenue for the support of the general government by duties upon imports, sound policy requires such an adjustment of these imports as to encourage the development of the industrial interests of the whole country; and we commend that policy of national exchanges, which secures to the workingmen liberal wages, to agriculture remunerative prices, to mechanics and manufacturers an adequate reward for their skill, labor, and enterprise, and to the nation commercial prosperity and independence.

What does it mean?

The Republicans wanted to focus on protecting and promoting domestic industries through balanced trade policies they believed would lead to national prosperity and economic independence.

• The government should collect revenue through tariffs on imports to support itself.
• The tariffs should be adjusted to promote the growth of industries across the country.

The Party also supported policies they believed would ensure:

• Fair wages for workers.
• Good prices for farmers.
• Adequate rewards for mechanics and manufacturers for their skills and efforts.

Support for the Homestead Act

Resolution 13 — That we protest against any sale or alienation to others of the public lands held by actual settlers, and against any view of the free-homestead policy which regards the settlers as paupers or suppliants for public bounty; and we demand the passage by Congress of the complete and satisfactory homestead measure which has already passed the House.

What does it mean?

The Republicans thought it was important to protect settlers’ rights to land and promote fair homestead policies. The Homestead Act sold public lands at a low price instead of trying to maximize profit. The bill was passed in 1862 and contributed to the settlement of western lands. In the 1860 platform, the Republicans:

• Opposed the sale or transfer of public lands that had already been settled by individuals.
• Rejected the idea that settlers should be seen as poor or begging for government assistance.
• Supported the “free-homestead policy.” which provided land to settlers at a low cost.
• Urged Congress to pass the Homestead Act that had been approved by the House of Representatives.

Objection to Changes in Immigration Laws

Resolution 14 — That the Republican party is opposed to any change in our naturalization laws or any state legislation by which the rights of citizens hitherto accorded to immigrants from foreign lands shall be abridged or impaired; and in favor of giving a full and efficient protection to the rights of all classes of citizens, whether native or naturalized, both at home and abroad.

What does it mean?

Republicans were committed to protecting the rights of immigrants and naturalized citizens.

• The Party opposed changes to naturalization laws that would limit the rights of immigrants.
• They were against State laws that reduced or weakened the rights of immigrants who had become citizens.
• The Party supported full protection of the rights of all citizens, whether they were born in the U.S. or became citizens later, both in the country and abroad.

Infrastructure Support — River and Harbor Improvements

Resolution 15 — That appropriations by Congress for river and harbor improvements of a national character, required for the accommodation and security of an existing commerce, are authorized by the Constitution, and justified by the obligation of Government to protect the lives and property of its citizens.

What does it mean?

The Party argued that the Federal Government had the right and responsibility to protect commerce in harbors and on waterways.

• Congress had the Constitutional authority to fund improvements to rivers and harbors that were important for national commerce.
• These improvements were necessary for the safety and security of existing trade.
• The government had a duty to protect the lives and property of its citizens, which justifies these improvements.

Infrastructure Support — Railroad and Overland Mail

Resolution 16 — That a railroad to the Pacific Ocean is imperatively demanded by the interests of the whole country; that the federal government ought to render immediate and efficient aid in its construction; and that, as preliminary thereto, a daily overland mail should be promptly established.

What does it mean?

The Republicans supported government action to build a Pacific Railroad. In the meantime, they suggested a daily Overland Mail Service should be established.

Call for Cooperation

Resolution 17 — Finally, having thus set forth our distinctive principles and views, we invite the co-operation of all citizens, however differing on other questions, who substantially agree with us in their affirmance and support.

What does it mean?

The Republicans closed their 1860 platform by calling on anyone who “substantially” agreed with them to vote for their candidate for President of the United States, which turned out to be Abraham Lincoln.

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