The four-way split shown was most immediately consequential because:
- Acheck_circle
Lincoln won the presidency without carrying any Southern state, prompting secession
- B
It produced a contingent election decided by the House of Representatives
- C
It led to a recount that delayed inauguration by six months
- D
It allowed Stephen Douglas to win on a free-soil platform
Explanation
Lincoln won a clear electoral majority despite getting under 40% of the popular vote and zero Southern electors, convincing seven Deep South states to secede before his inauguration.