The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was a revolutionary moment in history because it challenged the status quo of the United States at the time. It marked the first time a president was elected into office who was not from the Democratic or Whig party. Furthermore, Lincoln signaled a commitment to combating slavery, which had been a contentious issue throughout the country, by standing on an antislavery platform. This momentous event foreshadowed the Civil War and the emancipation of slaves.
Explain why the election of Abraham Lincoln was considered a revolutionary moment.