Abraham Lincoln: Civil War President Essay

I am natur all toldy anti-slavery. If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong. Abraham capital of NebraskaWhat seems to be very superficial ab verboten the nature and character of Abraham capital of Nebraska proves to be quite profound after an extensive investigation of his life. Mystifying his contemporaries and modern font historians alike, the numerous volumes of scholarly research over the past 150 years is evidence of the challenges incidental to unraveling the complexities of the man m any refer to as the great emancipator. Richard Carwadines capital of Nebraska A Life of Purpose and Power and William Gienapps Abraham capital of Nebraska and elegant fight America present excellent biographical research that logical argument and compliment their subject and describe the extenuating circumstances that only adds to capital of Nebraskas complexity. Carwadines research covers familiar ground but sets itself apart by focusing closely on questions about Lincolns political ambition and agenda and his exercise of power.See more The stages of consumer buying stopping point plow essayThe American public is quick to judge their presidents epoch assessing their achievements overcritically and without re distribute. Carwadine argues that Lincolns great achievement was to set ambitious but tangible political goals to fathom the thinking of ordinary citizens and to reach out to them with uncommon assurance and to hone his impressive skills as a manager of the often runny and fractious elements that made up the political parties to which he belonged. 2 Gienapps primary ambition is to show how the green, upstart president handled the four years of crisisand how he became such(prenominal) an extraordinary war leader.3The transformation from his humble origins as a rail-splitter to masterful politician and leader of the nation appears to simply defy explanation. However, Lincoln dust and enigma for many people. He is confusing, vexed to understand, and by many acc ounts, appears to be incapable of executing the simplest of tasks. Yet, this is the wonder of Lincolns character and what makes him appealing to so many. His ambitionand particularly his hunger for public recognitionhad been evident from his young manhood in the early 1830s. 4 Obviously, in order to develop a greater fellow feeling of who Abraham Lincoln was, one must take a brief look into his childhood. Modern psychologists mightiness suggest that Lincolns family was very dysfunctional.His dons constant relocation of the family and never seeming to be satisfied to pass more than a simple farmer, only contributed to the strained birth in the midst of Lincoln and his father. Most prominent people through and throughout history have often cited a p atomic number 18nt, sibling, or other close relative or agonist as having been a great influence on their life. no. so for Lincoln who upon losing his mother to milk sickness, went on to form a constructive and digest bond with hi s stepmother. A remarkable woman, Sarah Bush Lincoln exerted an enormous influence on Abrahamwho he called Mama. He later said that she had been his best Friend in this world and that no Son could love a Mother more than he loved her. 5The same cannot be said of Lincolns relationship with his father, which at best was superficial and distant. When Lincoln received word of his fathers failing health and was requested to return home at once, Lincoln declined to come to his fathers side. When his father passed on, Lincoln did not attend the funeral. It was a testament to his feelings toward his father. And, if Lincoln had ever harbored any ill will or inner hatred about his father, he never let it be known.Lincoln seldom discussed his relationship with his father, let alone his family, and his reticence was quite characteristic of the man who would more or lessday maintain the same trait as president. I would argue that their troubled relationship was the primary reason that throughou t his life, Abraham Lincoln keenly regretted the lack of educational opportunities in his youth. 6Lacking the stability of a consistent family life, Lincoln was not afforded the type of educational opportunities that most of his contemporaries enjoyed. On the upside, Lincoln possessed the strong individualistic spirit that was epitomized by the frontier that served to enhance his image. Most would consider his constant reading as idleness, or simply be down right lazy. But for Lincoln, spending time in his books not only gave him time alone, which he craved, it also provided him the opportunity to learn and instill the all important characteristic of self-improvement.Not being one to hold grudges, Lincolns own experience of getting on in life tended to show rather than to blur his meritocratic vision, though the process was complex. 7 This philosophy would begin the foundation for Lincolns outlook on life and would eventually outperform his presidency. Many of Lincolns contempor aries, and modern historians, have suggested his views of self have contributed to his melancholic approach to life in general and the fatalistic view that pervades his idea process.Lincoln believed there was no freedom of will, that men had no free choice. 8 Perhaps this explains Lincolns indifference toward his father and family. It may even supercharge explain his apparent negativism and melancholy perspective on lifes events. Contrary to popular belief, however, fatalismdid not always show itself negatively in Lincoln, since it sometimes seems to have given him the assurance he needed to persist in whatever career of action he believed had been thus ordained. 9While some scholars might determine Lincolns fatalist outlook would be a detriment to his abilities to lead the nation, especially during the Civil War, I would argue to the unlike I believe it forced Lincoln to become more aware, more conscious, of his own ambitions and how he might individually impact society. Lincol n could become well frustrated and moody, I believe, because of his strong desire to surpass his fathers legacy. Not only was he a man of convictions, Lincoln would continually reach to become someone of significance.Politics would become the avenue by which he could do just that. Gienapp argues Lincolns greatest ambition had always been to serve in the Senate. 10 He possessed a strong desire to serve humankind and had the fortune to establish himself as a politician. It was during his time in the Illinois legislature, and later, through his debates with Stephen Douglas over the extension of slavery, that Lincoln developed his political ideals that would aid him during the tumultuous times in the White House.Lincoln seemed to possess an innate champion for the understanding of his constituency and direction of public opinion. With the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, he sensed a new moral outrage that existed not only in his home raise of Illinois, but also throughout much of t he northern United States. Although Lincoln had always keep his distaste for the institution of slavery, his moral passion now ran deeper as he shifted his primary focus from economic issues to slavery. 11 The adoption of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854 would give rise to the formation of a new anti-slavery ships company that would eventually become the Republican Party. When discussion over the repeal of the Missouri Compromise surfaced, Lincoln avoided any discussion in his speeches of nativism, prohibition, or even economic issuesinstead, he focussed exclusively on the Kansas-Nebraska Act. 12It was at this time in his career that Lincoln was becoming a well-known and popular orator among the Illinois populace and was often invited to say outside his congressional district. Lincoln used these opportunities to begin to formulate and promote his thoughts on slavery. Although much of his argument was based on earlier anti-slavery leaders, such as Salmon P. Chase, Lincoln presented them in an unusually effective elan. 13 I believe it was during this time period that Lincoln also began to sense that he was destined to get hold of something great for mankind.I do not, however, believe he had intentions of becoming president, or ending slavery outright, but there seems to have existed a spark that burn a alone(predicate) passion within Lincoln that had not existed previously. I believe he began to formulate his most inward thoughts and outwardly transform them to align to public opinion. I must point out, however, that this did not mean Lincoln simply told the public what they wanted to hear, rather he possessed a unique skill in knowing when to reveal his opinions to the public and present them in a way that appealed to their common senses. Although not a charismatic speaker, Lincoln was fascinating and knew how to move a crowd.It was at this point in his career that the Declaration of Independence became a significant component of Lincolns thought. Haili ng it as the commencement precept of our ancient faith, he henceforth designated it (rather than the Constitution) as the nations founding charter. 14 This change of direction would become instrumental in Lincolns upward advancement through the American political process and explain the reasons why, as president, he would expand the constitutional powers of the presidency through the justification that his actions were out of necessity for the preservation of the Union.Just how did Lincoln become president? For many students of history Lincoln is an enigma. By modern standards, his humble background, gangly physical features (altogether unmixed as described by some), and irritating speech would hardly present the kind of credentials necessary to win a party nomination, until now alone, presidential election. However, in 1860, presidents were normally selected based on their potential to govern. A candidates skills and abilities along with previous governmental experience were par amount to winning the partys nomination, and hopefully, national election.Supporters were drawn to Lincolns nomination for the Republican Party as president. Lincoln was not a front-runner by any means. Yet his national notoriety and speeches on slavery, the 1858 Senatorial debates with Douglas, and pragmatic and humble nature manifest itself a grass-roots appeal among the partys delegates that would help to touch off him to the presidency. Americas new mass democratic forms had put a premium on the electable, or available, candidate. A sequence of nominations in every presidential race since 1840 had shown that national political standing and proven executive ability came in a poor second to supposed electoral availability. 15There are several avenues of research to follow regarding Lincolns presidency. I will conclude my paper by looking at the constitutional issues surrounding his decision to emancipate the slaves in 1863. One of Lincolns strengths as a war leader was that he al ways kept his focus on the bigger questions, rather than becoming embroiled in personal disputes. 16 From the onset, Lincoln made it clear that his intentions toward the Confederacy were to not interfere with slavery where it existed. He consistently maintained his opposition to the extension of slavery into the Western Territories. Despite his claims, eleven Southern assures would secede from the Union and form the Confederacy.The question now before the president was what course of action is required to end the state of rebellion that existed in the Southern part of the United States. The steps that Lincoln took during the early stages of the war showed an impressive and rude(a) grasp of strategic essentials. He had three main objectives.He must nourish and sustain northern political supportdo all in his power to streng hence the Unionist elements in the upper tier of slave statesprevent the war from becoming an international conflict. 17 The slave question was the most difficul t issue before the president. Because he had no constitutional power to interfere with slavery in the states, and because he needed to retain the support of Border States and Democrats, Lincolnrepeatedly defined his policy as restoration of the Unionwhich of course meant a Union with slavery. 18The issues over emancipation were complex. The Confederacy was already using slaves as laborers in their war effort. If Lincoln were to emancipate escaped slaves that reached Union lines, they too could be used for service in the Union army and navy. However, Lincoln was indisposed to adopt such a policy for fear of losing the Border States. Secessionist movements already existed in Maryland and in the wars early months, threatened to stick in Washington, D.C. and thus separate the nations capitol from the North. But as the war became a prolonged affair, Lincoln began referring to the term inbred means to preserve the Union. 19determine what exactly this meant was left over(p) to Lincolns interpretation that his actions, or means that under normal conditions would be deemed unnecessary, even extraconstitutional, might in extremis become an indispensable necessity to achieve a lawful end 20 and as field hands and military laborers, slaves gave the Confederates formidable strength. Extraordinary measuresemancipation by resolvehad become the indispensable means to preserve the national existence. 21Unfortunately for Lincoln, the issuance of the proclamation was also political. Without any major Union victory on the battlefield, emancipation might appear to be a last-ditch effort at winning the war. By mid-1862, when Lincoln first formed the basis of the proclamation, the Union army had yet to win a decisive battle against the Rebels in the Eastern Theater. The president would appear to have no real backing for issuing the emancipation proclamation until a decisive victory had been won.That opportunity came in mid-September when Lees army was forced to retreat from Mar yland after the battle of Antietam. Lincoln then took advantage of the Union victory and formally announced the proclamation on September 22, 1862. The emancipation proclamation would go into effect on January 1, 1863 and would only doctor those slaves residing in Southern states that remained in rebellion. With a stroke of the pen, Lincoln had changed the nature of the war. Both sides understood that the war had been fundamentally transformed, that the Union was no longer struggle to restore the old Union but to create a new one. 22Gienapp and Cawardine hold similar viewpoints in their overall assessment of Abraham Lincoln, however, their focus varies. In the electron orbit of the Civil War, Gienapp concludes that Lincoln became an accomplished and extraordinary presidenthad a sure sense of timing, knew when to stand firm and when to compromise, and displayed an absolute genius for getting individuals of diverse viewpoints to work on together. 23 There is nothing profound about his assessment and accurately represents the humble nature of Lincoln. Cawardines conclusion transcends Lincolns death that is embraced by what enthalpy Ward Beecher described as a new impulse of patriotism. 24Furthermore, he bequeathed an enhanced and ambitious nationalism to his successorswhosepractical policy grew from a strong sense of moral purpose and his course as president was shaped not by impulsive, self-aggrandizing action or self-righteousness, but by deep thought, extensiveness of vision, careful concern for consequences, and a remarkable lack of pride. 25 Even though Lincoln may remain an enigma to modern historians, one is hard press to fail to recognize the fortitude and courage of a man so humble, so simple, so unqualified to be president, but to recognize he sincerely yours arrived at his lifes ambitionto be a humble servant of his fellow man. What a powerful testament and legacy Lincoln left for posterity.1 Rasmussen, R. Kent. Library diary. Vol. 131, Issue 20 (Dec., 2006), p. 181. 2 Carwardine, Richard. Lincoln A Life of Purpose and Power. (New York Knopf Publishing), 2003, p. x. 3 Gienapp, William. Abraham Lincoln and Civil War America. (New York Oxford University Press), 2002, p. xi. 4 Carwardine, p. 3.5 Gienapp, pp. 4-5.6 Ibid., p. 5.7 Carwardine, p. 19.8 Guelzo, Allen. Abraham Lincoln and the Doctrine of Necessity. The ledger of Abraham Lincoln Association. Vol. 18, No. 1 (Winter, 1997), p. 57. 9 Ibid., p. 58.10 Gienapp, p. 53.11 Ibid. p. 50.12 Ibid.13 Ibid., p. 5114 Ibid.15 Carwardine, p. 111.16 Gienapp, p. 97.17 Carwardine, p. 164.18 McPherson, James. How President Lincoln Decided to Issue the Emancipation Proclamation. The daybook of Blacks in higher(prenominal) Education. No. 37 (Autumn, 2002), p. 108. 19 Carwardine, p. 198.20 Ibid.21 Ibid., p. 207.22 Gienapp, p. 125.23 Ibid., p. 192.24 Carwardine, p. 321.25 Ibid.BIBLIOGRAPHYThe journal articles and essays listed below provided a deeper understanding of Abraham Lincoln and wer e complimentary to the primary research materials for my paper. Each reading provided superfluous insight on Lincoln and served to enhance my completed paper. Ive only cited direct quotes and ideas from individual articles while inferring generalizations from the complete works listed below.The following essays provide critical analysis of Lincolns overall approach to the political process through the mental testing of his personal views and attitudes to the political climate during the antebellum and Civil War years.Carwardine, Richard. Lincoln, Evangelical Religion, and American Political Culture in the Era of the Civil War. Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association. Vol. 18, No. 1 (Winter, 1997), pp. 27-55.Rawley, James. The Nationalism of Abraham Lincoln Revisited. Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association. Vol. 22, No. 1 (Winter, 2001), pp. 33-88.Siemers, David. Principles Pragmatism Abraham Lincolns Method of Political Analysis, Presidential Studies Quarterly, Vol. 34, No. 4 (Dec. 2004), pp. 804-827.The following essays offer a concise overview of Lincolns handling of emancipation and the issue of civil liberties for blacks and the complications associated in dealing with the abolitionist movement and retention of Border States during his tenure in office.Berwanger, Eugene. Lincolns Constitutional Dilemma Emancipation and Black Suffrage. Papers of the Abraham Lincoln Association. Vol. 5 (1983), pp. 25-38.Gienapp, William. Abraham Lincoln and the Border States, Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association. Vol. 13 (1992), pp. 13-46.Guelzo, Allen. Lincoln and the Abolitionists, The Wilson Quarterly (1976-), Vol. 24, No. 4 (Autumn, 2000), pp. 58-70.McPherson, James. How President Lincoln Decided to Issue the Emancipation Proclamation, The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, No. 37 (Autumn, 2002), pp. 108-109.An in-depth examination of Lincolns alternative to the law of war is masterfully presented in Burrus Carnahans Act of Justice Lincolns Emancipatio n Proclamation and the integrity of War. (Lexington University Pressof Kentucky), 2007.Although there exists a great deal of scholarship on the question of constitutional authority and executive power, these listed below offered a succinct overview of the manner in which Lincoln answered his critics and charges of extending executive power beyond what was historically granted the president and its impact on the modern executive.Balz, Herman. Abraham Lincoln and American Constitutionalism, The Review of Politics. Vol. 50, No. 2 (Spring, 1988), pp. 169-197.Fehrenbacher, Don and Tudor, Jacob. Lincolns Wartime Leadership The First Hundred Days, Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association. Vol. 9 (1987), pp. 1-18.Guelzo, Allen. Abraham Lincoln and the Doctrine of Necessity, Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association. Vol. 18, No. 1 (Winter, 1997), pp. 57-81.Hyman, H. M. Abraham Lincoln, Legal Positivism, and Constitutional History, Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association. Vol. 13 (199 2), pp. 1-11.Kleinerman, Benjamin. Lincolns Example Executive Power and the extract of Constitutionalism, Perspectives on Politics. Vol. 3, No. 4 (Dec., 2005), pp. 801-816.McLaughlin, Andrew. Lincoln, the Constitution, and Democracy, International Journal of Ethics. Vol. 47, No. 1 (Oct., 1936), pp. 1-24.Underwood, James. Lincoln A Weberian Politician Meets the Constitution, Presidential Studies Quarterly. Vol. 34, No. 2 (Jun., 2004), pp. 341-365.Obviously, no study on Lincoln would be complete without the investigation into the conduct of the Civil War itself. The works listed below presented valuable insight into the challenges confront the newly elected president, theissues surrounding the restoration and Reconstruction of the nation, the origins of the development of the Union policy of total war, and lastly, the unique perspective of the manner in which the Southern spend fought during the war.Donald, David. The Confederate as a Fighting Man, The Journal of Southern History. Vol. 25, No. 2 (May, 1959), pp. 178-193.Kaczorowski, Robert. To Begin the Nation Anew Congress, Citizenship, and Civil Rights after the Civil War, The American Historical Review. Vol. 92, No. 1 (Feb., 1987), pp. 45-68.Ramsdell, Charles. Lincoln and Fort Sumter, The Journal of Southern History. Vol. 3, No. 3 (Aug., 1937), pp. 259-288.Sutherland, Daniel. Abraham Lincoln, John Pope, and the Origins of Total War, The Journal of Military History, Vol. 56, No. 4 (Oct., 1992), pp. 567-586.Scholarly research on the life and political career of Abraham Lincoln is nothing new. For my paper, the primary books selected for my research are not extraordinary, but serve to compliment the volumes of works dedicated to our nations sixteenth president. A well-known Civil War historian wrote one of my selected books while a non-American authored the second. I thought this would enhance my research that might present two varying biographical perspectives on Lincoln. I can honestly state that I was not disappointed by either work.Gienapp, William. Abraham Lincoln and Civil War. (New York Oxford University Press), 2002.Carwardine, Richard. Lincoln A Life of Purpose and Power. (New York Knopf Publishing), 2003.