November 8 in American History

November 8, 1864 — Lincoln is reelected in the middle of the Civil War

With the country at war with itself, the United States did something remarkable: it held a regular presidential election on schedule, and Lincoln won a second term. Soldiers voted from the field. That a nation tearing itself apart still trusted the ballot over the bayonet is one of democracy's great proofs.

Common Questions

What happened on November 8 in American history?

In 1864: Lincoln is reelected in the middle of the Civil War. With the country at war with itself, the United States did something remarkable: it held a regular presidential election on schedule, and Lincoln won a second term.

Why is November 8 significant?

With the country at war with itself, the United States did something remarkable: it held a regular presidential election on schedule, and Lincoln won a second term. Soldiers voted from the field. That a nation tearing itself apart still trusted the ballot over the bayonet is one of democracy's great proofs.

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