The candidates in the election of 1860 were Abraham Lincoln (for the republicans), Stephen Douglas and John Breckinridge (for the Democrats, and John Bell (for the Constitutional Union). The Constitution Union only wanted to keep the union intact and didn't have an opinion on slavery. Lincoln opposed the spread of slavery into the new territories. Douglas wanted the people to decide for themselves and Breckinridge wanted to make sure that people could own slaves in new territories. Lincoln and Douglas had debated before over the Mexican War. Douglas and Lincoln were both running for Senate. He lost that election but gained national recognition. An interesting fact about Breckinridge is that he was President Buchanan's VP, therefore being the youngest person to hold office at age 35. Lincoln did not win the popular vote, but he did win the election. That is why the Election of 1860 was so controversial. Southerners didn't think it was fair for him to be president and not win the popular vote.
Photo from: history1800s.about.com
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