Examine the realignment of the American political system between 1854 and 1861.

The realignment of the American political system between 1854 and 1861 was a period of significant change and upheaval. This era saw the emergence of the Republican Party as a major political force, the decline of the Whig Party, and the increasing polarization between the North and the South over the issue of slavery.

The realignment began with the collapse of the Whig Party in the mid-1850s, as the party was unable to effectively address the growing tensions over slavery. In its place, the Republican Party emerged as a coalition of anti-slavery activists, former Whigs, and disaffected Democrats. The Republican Party's platform was centered on opposition to the expansion of slavery into the western territories, and it quickly gained support in the North.

At the same time, the Democratic Party, which had been the dominant political force in the South, became increasingly divided along regional lines. The issue of slavery and its expansion became a central point of contention, leading to the fracturing of the party along sectional lines.

This realignment of the political system ultimately culminated in the election of Abraham Lincoln as President in 1860. His victory was a clear indication of the shifting political landscape, as he won without carrying a single Southern state. This election result further exacerbated the tensions between the North and the South, ultimately leading to the secession of Southern states and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.

Overall, the realignment of the American political system between 1854 and 1861 was a period of intense political change, marked by the rise of the Republican Party, the decline of the Whigs, and the increasing polarization between the North and the South over the issue of slavery. This period set the stage for the tumultuous events that would follow in the coming years.