Who were the candidates in the 1860 presidential election?

Study for the CLEP US History 1 Test. Immerse in flashcards and multiple choice questions, each complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The candidates in the 1860 presidential election were Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, and John C. Breckinridge. This election was a pivotal moment in American history, primarily due to the rising tensions over slavery and sectionalism.

Abraham Lincoln represented the Republican Party, which was newly formed and focused on stopping the expansion of slavery into the territories. Stephen A. Douglas, a leading Democratic candidate, advocated for popular sovereignty, allowing territories to decide for themselves whether to permit slavery. John C. Breckinridge was the Southern Democratic candidate who supported the expansion of slavery into the territories.

The election was significant as it highlighted the deep divisions within the country. Lincoln's victory, without carrying a single Southern state, underscored the growing divide between the North and South, ultimately leading to the secession of Southern states and the Civil War.

The option including Lincoln, Douglas, and Breckinridge accurately reflects the major candidates of that historically significant election, while the other options present incorrect or incomplete combinations of candidates or names not relevant to that election.

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