Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860 was a watershed moment in American politics, as he became the first Republican president amidst a deeply divided nation. The election was characterized by a highly fragmented political environment, with four major candidates representing differing ideologies on issues particularly related to slavery and sectionalism. Lincoln, representing the newly formed Republican Party, captured about 40% of the popular vote, but he won a decisive majority in the Electoral College with 180 out of 303 votes, primarily due to his strong support in the Northern states. His main competitors included Stephen A. Douglas, who represented the Northern Democrats, John C. Breckinridge, who was the Southern Democrat candidate, and John Bell, who represented the Constitutional Union Party.Lincoln's relatively low percentage of the popular vote highlighted the polarization of the electorate and the challenges facing the nation. His election was met with immediate tension, especially from Southern states that feared that his administration would push for the abolition of slavery, threatening their way of life. The immediate aftermath of the election saw several Southern states begin to secede from the Union, leading to the eventual outbreak of the Civil War. Lincoln's presidency would endure significant trials as he navigated through the turbulent waters of disunion and civil conflict, while striving to maintain the integrity of the nation.