Chapter 25: The Democrat Party fractures

Stephen Douglas’ confidence in heading the 1860 ticket is shattered at the April convention in Charleston when seven southern states walk out in protest of his decision to break with Buchanan over passing the bogus Lecompton Constitution. He tries to find a compromise before the session is reconvened in June in Baltimore, but that too fails. After further maneuvering the Northern Democrats nominate Douglas, while the new Southern Democrats choose the sitting Vice-President, John C. Breckinridge.