In 1860, Abraham Lincoln (Republican) won 180 of 303 electoral votes, defeating John C. Breckinridge by 108 EV during the Civil War era. In 1864, Abraham Lincoln (Republican) won 212 of 233, defeating George B. McClellan by 191 EV during the Civil War era. Turnout: 81.8% vs 76.3%.
vs
1860
Civil War
Abraham Lincoln
Republican
Electoral votes
180 of 303
EV margin
108
Popular vote
39.6%
Turnout
81.8%
Runner-up
John C. Breckinridge (S-Dem)
Lincoln won as the nation fractured along sectional lines. The Democratic Party split into Northern and Southern factions, with Stephen Douglas running for the North and John C. Breckinridge for the South, while the Constitutional Union party drew border-state voters behind John Bell. Lincoln carried every Northern state but received zero votes in most Southern states; his victory triggered Southern secession within months. Lincoln won a majority of electoral votes with only 39.65% of the popular vote.
1864
Civil War
Abraham Lincoln
Republican
Electoral votes
212 of 233
EV margin
191
Popular vote
55.0%
Turnout
76.3%
Runner-up
George B. McClellan (Dem)
Lincoln won re-election during the Civil War, defeating his former general George B. McClellan who ran on a peace platform. Early in the campaign Lincoln feared he would lose, as war weariness had set in; however, Sherman's capture of Atlanta in September dramatically shifted the public mood. Lincoln ran on the National Union ticket to attract War Democrats. Eleven Confederate states did not participate. Lincoln's re-election ensured the war would be prosecuted to total victory and emancipation.