there had to have been at least some form of physical coercion during the takeover of federal territory in the seceding states
but there's a degree or two of separation between that and the actual federal transfer of power.
not really. Secession and ensuing takeover of federal territory (and the violence that went with it, such as the engagement between the
Star of the West and South Carolina forces) in the South was a direct result of Lincoln's election and occurred during the transition period.
"If any one attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot"
- John Dix, Secretary of Treasury
So, unless you define a non-violent transfer as merely "no physical action taken against figures representing the incoming administration," it seems pretty difficult to argue 2001 in favor of 1860-1861.