Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
Abraham Lincoln meets with a prominent Republican and receives a recommendation about another regarding cabinet appointments.
Americans observe a day of reflection in hopes that it may inspire stronger efforts at compromise between North and South.
The Senate fails to adopt John J. Crittenden’s compromise plan, prompting more last-ditch efforts at conciliation.
President-elect Abraham Lincoln reconsiders a cabinet appointment, but lobbyists urge him to reconsider again.
The new year opens with South Carolina commissioners responding to President James Buchanan’s refusal to withdraw the Federal troops from Fort Sumter.
Several proposals to keep the Union intact are proposed, but none seem to be popular enough for both North and South to support.