The Wide Awakes: Youth Activism in 1860 America

Today we celebrate Wide Awake Day! I didn’t know that it existed. They helped to save our republic from the Confederacy. They were a youth organization that was formed in 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut, to aid Abraham Lincoln in winning the election in response to the attack on Cassius Clay.

They wore a cape and a military-style uniform and had torch-filled parades with strong support for the Republican Party, showcasing their unwavering dedication to the cause. The vibrant colors of their attire stood in stark contrast to the night sky as they marched proudly down the streets, their torches flickering in unison, symbolizing both unity and strength. They encouraged young voters to go out and vote.

The Wide Awakes the young revolution of the 1860.

Lincoln Memorial Shrine


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