How would you describe the presidential election of 1860?

The election of 1860 can be best described in terms of a turning point. The election was a battle between North and South, which only added to the conflict going on before the start of the civil war. Lincoln, the winner, defeated John C. Breckinridge. It was a turning point because without Lincoln's victory, civil war would have probably been avoided and slavery continued for many years to come. 

The answer is a hope