During the 1860 presidential campaign, former Congressman Abraham Lincoln faced intense opposition from Fire-Eater Southern Democrats who viewed him as a threat to democracy and the Constitution. They resorted to personal attacks and dire predictions, similar to the political climate we see today.
The Southern Democrats' irrational fear of Lincoln winning the White House led to secessionist sentiments and threats of civil war. Despite efforts to keep him off the ballots in the South, Lincoln emerged victorious in the election, causing panic among his opponents.
