This episode of the podcast contains explicit language.

Hey everyone, welcome to the 14th episode of our Civil War podcast.

I'm Rich.

And I'm Tracey.

Hello y'all.

Welcome to the podcast.

In June 1856, hundreds of people gathered at the Musical Fund Hall in Philadelphia for

a uniquely noteworthy event.

Over 600 enthusiastic and excited delegates and 100 curious newspaper reporters assembled

in the hall for the first national convention of the Republican Party.

The Republican delegates were coming together in Philadelphia even as the divisive issue of

slavery continued to radically alter the political landscape of America.

To stake out their place in that shifting political landscape, the Republicans were eager to

nominate their first ever presidential candidate.

The presidential election of 1856 would end up being a three-way contest between the Democrats,

the Republicans, and the know-nothings.

The chief difference between the candidates for the three parties was on the question of slavery

and the territories.

And so, added to the fact that it was a relatively rare three-way race,

the election proved to be a significant milestone on the road to disunion in Civil War,

especially in the way that the results in 1856 directly set the stage for the dramatic

and pivotal presidential contest of 1860.

...