Some issues are too fundamental for a party to withstand, and the consequences can last for a generation.

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Upheaval at the 1860 Democratic Convention: What Happened When a Party Split

Producer: Matthew Spolar
Associate Producer: Victor Couto

This year is remembered as landing one of America’s most revered and consequential presidents in office. But Abraham Lincoln’s election, and his subsequent assault on slavery, might not have happened had the Democratic Party not been in such disarray. This series was produced by Matt Spolar, in partnership with Politico.

This documentary was created in partnership with Scientific American. You can view past collaborations here.

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Educators, click below for a lesson plan for this video, and check out the Political Parties & Conventions Collection. Sign up for our educator newsletterto receive classroom resources, and browse more lesson plans and videos here.

TranscriptLesson PlanCollection: Political Parties & Conventions