The American Vote
Civil WarCycle 20 / 60

1864

Abraham Lincoln and the 1864 map.
Abraham Lincoln (Republican) defeated George B. McClellan (Democratic), 55.0% to 45.0%.
Lincoln
212 EV
McClellan
21 EV
0270 to win → 117233
The map · 1864
22 states for Rep · 3 for Dem
ALAKAZARCACOFLGAIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMIMNMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWY
Narrative

Abraham Lincoln and the 1864 map

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.

Key issue

Continuation of the Civil War; emancipation; terms of Southern reconstruction

Notable

First wartime re-election since 1812; Lincoln feared defeat until Sherman took Atlanta