Lincoln Reconsidered: Essays on the Civil War Era

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is one of the most revered figures in American history. His leadership during the Civil War and his role in the abolition of slavery have cemented his legacy as a great man. However, Lincoln's life and presidency were far more complex than the myth that has grown up around him.

Lincoln Reconsidered: Essays on the Civil War Era

by David Herbert Donald

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1599 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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In Lincoln Reconsidered: Essays on the Civil War Era, a group of leading historians offer a fresh look at Lincoln and his times. These essays explore the many facets of Lincoln's life and presidency, from his early years in Kentucky to his assassination in 1865. The contributors to this volume examine Lincoln's complex relationship with race, his evolving views on slavery, and his struggles to keep the Union together during the Civil War.

One of the most striking things about Lincoln is his evolution on the issue of slavery. As a young man, Lincoln was a Whig who opposed the abolition of slavery. However, his experiences during the Civil War led him to a more radical view of slavery. In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln argued that the war was a struggle to determine whether "any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure." He went on to say that "all men are created equal" and that the Declaration of Independence "is yet a living and moving reality." These words have become some of the most famous and inspiring in American history.

Lincoln's presidency was also marked by his struggles to keep the Union together. The Civil War was the most destructive conflict in American history, and it threatened to tear the country apart. Lincoln's leadership was essential to holding the Union together, and he was able to do so by appealing to the patriotism of the American people. He also used his power as president to mobilize the resources of the Union government to prosecute the war.

Lincoln's assassination in 1865 was a tragedy for the United States. He was a brilliant leader who was taken from the country at a time when he was needed most. However, his legacy lived on, and his work to preserve the Union and abolish slavery continues to inspire Americans today.

Lincoln Reconsidered: Essays on the Civil War Era is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. This volume offers a fresh look at one of the most important figures in American history.

Table of Contents

• Chapter 1: Lincoln's Early Years
• Chapter 2: Lincoln's Political Career
• Chapter 3: The Civil War
• Chapter 4: Lincoln's Reconstruction Plans
• Chapter 5: Lincoln's Legacy

Chapter 1: Lincoln's Early Years

Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Kentucky in 1809. His parents were poor farmers, and Lincoln had little formal education. However, he was a voracious reader, and he educated himself through books. Lincoln's early life was marked by hardship, but he also developed a strong sense of independence and self-reliance.

In 1830, Lincoln moved to Illinois. He worked as a lawyer and a politician, and he quickly became a leader in the Whig Party. In 1846, Lincoln was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served one term in Congress, and he used his time there to speak out against the expansion of slavery.

Chapter 2: Lincoln's Political Career

In 1858, Lincoln ran for the U.S. Senate against Stephen Douglas. The Lincoln-Douglas debates are considered one of the greatest debates in American history. Lincoln argued that slavery was a moral wrong, and he said that it should be abolished. Douglas argued that slavery was a necessary evil, and he said that it should be allowed to continue in the territories.

Lincoln lost the election to Douglas, but his performance in the debates made him a national figure. In 1860, Lincoln was nominated for president by the Republican Party. He ran against Douglas, John C. Breckinridge, and John Bell. Lincoln won the election, but he did not win a majority of the popular vote.

Chapter 3: The Civil War

Lincoln's election as president led to the secession of seven Southern states. The Civil War began in 1861, and it lasted for four years. Lincoln was determined to preserve the Union, and he used all of the resources of the federal government to prosecute the war. The Union victory in the Civil War was due in large part to Lincoln's leadership.

During the Civil War, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This proclamation freed all slaves in the Confederate states. The Emancipation Proclamation was a major turning point in the war, and it helped to ensure the Union victory.

Chapter 4: Lincoln's Reconstruction Plans

After the Civil War, Lincoln began to plan for the reconstruction of the South. He wanted to reunite the country and to ensure that the freed slaves were given their full rights. Lincoln's plans for Reconstruction were not fully realized, but they laid the foundation for the eventual reunification of the country.

Chapter 5: Lincoln's Legacy

Abraham Lincoln is one of the most important figures in American history. He preserved the Union, he abolished slavery, and he laid the foundation for the reunification of the country. Lincoln's legacy is one of hope and inspiration. He showed that it is possible to overcome great obstacles, and he reminded us that all men are created equal.

Lincoln Reconsidered: Essays on the Civil War Era

by David Herbert Donald

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1599 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	226 pages

FREE