Many young people in America had become disillusioned with the partisan bickering that characterized the 1850s—when the issue of slavery tore apart the nation. These young people saw ‘The Wide Awakes’ movement as an exciting new way to participate in national politics.
And, indeed, it was a unique movement—with distinct uniforms that gave off an almost paramilitary air. They marched in lock-step unison, with identical hats and canvas capes, carrying 6-foot-long kerosene torches. To say the least, they were a huge departure from the political movements that had—to that point—dominated the 19th century.
‘The Wide Awakes’ routinely turned out thousands to their pro-Lincoln rallies in New York, Chicago and Boston. An October 1860 rally in the Massachusetts capital was particularly impressive as all the torches were lit at the same moment—synchronized by a single gunshot.
By the end of the 1860 presidential campaign, the ranks of the ‘Wide Awakes’ had swelled to 500,000—with active chapters in every northern state. To put this in perspective, the ‘Wide Awakes’ alone made up 1.6% the total population of the entire nation (almost 32 million people in 1860).
Not only did the ‘Wide Awakes’ movement significantly contribute to Lincoln’s victory, it also demonstrated that well-organized political activity can mobilize young, first-time voters to positively change national politics. It was way ahead of its time.