Abraham Lincoln: Argued against laws dividing the United States into free and slave states. Gave a speech in 1859 in New York City denouncing slavery. Became leader of the Republican party, which back then was known for its support of African Americans, unlike the reputation of today's Republican party. When Lincoln won the presidential election of November 6, 1860, he carried almost all the Northern states, but did not win a single Southern state, in fact his name was not even listed as an option in any of the Southern states. Lincoln declared, "A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot last forever, half slave and half free. I do not expect the house to fall-but I do expect it will cease to be divided."

Abraham Lincoln: Argued against laws dividing the United States into free and slave states. Gave a speech in 1859 in New York City denouncing slavery. Became leader of the Republican party, which back then was known for its support of African Americans, unlike the reputation of today's Republican party. When Lincoln won the presidential election of November 6, 1860, he carried almost all the Northern states, but did not win a single Southern state, in fact his name was not even listed as an option in any of the Southern states. Lincoln declared, "A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot last forever, half slave and half free. I do not expect the house to fall-but I do expect it will cease to be divided."