[FLT-bird]

Abolitionism had been a growing force for over a century. It is one of the reasons mentioned in many of the articles of secession. It didn't just happen in 1860, but rather had built up to that point by 1860.

Abolitionists were a tiny minority even in the North. They couldn't get any of their candidates elected. In fact, they struggled to get double digit percentages of the vote in any election.

[TwelveOfTwenty]

They couldn't get any of their candidates elected. In fact, they struggled to get double digit percentages of the vote in any election.

The Republicans were formed to abolish slavery. We even have a monument dedicated to one who managed to get elected to some office, but I can't seem to recall who that was.