Answer:
In the 1850s, the issue of slavery formed a new party called the Republican Party.
Explanation:
The creation of the Republican Party grew out of the problems caused by the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. The law immediately caused a political crisis for the Whig Party. Southern Whigs had opposed it: the bill proposed to open new territories to slavery. There was no room for compromise, so the party split.
The Southern Whigs were destroyed by the split. A few joined the Democratic Party. But most searched for leaders who supported slavery and the Union. The Northern Whigs, however, joined with other opponents of slavery and formed the Republican Party.
The Republicans quickly gained strength in the North. "Bleeding Kansas" was the key to the Republican rise. Many people blamed the violence on the Democrats. With the 1856 elections nearing, the Republicans believed that they had an excellent opportunity to gain seats in Congress and win the presidency.
The Republicans needed a strong presidential candidate in 1856 to strengthen their young party. They nominated John C. Fremont. Young and handsome. Fremont was a national hero for his explorations in the West, which earned him the nickname the "Pathfinder."
Republicans liked Fremont for a couple of reasons. He had spoken in favor of admitting both California and Kansas as free states. Also, he had little political experience and did not have a controversial record to defend. Even so, the Republican position on slavery was so unpopular in the South that Fremont's name did not appear on the ballot there.
Although he lost the election, Fremont won 11 Northern states. These results showed two things. First, the Republican Party was a major force in the North. Second, the nation was sharply split over slavery.
Hope this helps :D (This took forever)
